Hindu Caste System

Social Structure in ancient India

Brahmin

• Hindu priests & scholars• Well-respected & well-educated. Perform

rituals, influence laws, etc.• Have to perform many religious duties every

day, but lead extremely comfortable lives in general.

Kshatriya

• Ruling & warrior elite• Lead wars & create laws. Males expected to

be strong and aggressive; females expected to be gentle and well-behaved.

• Luxurious palaces, multiple wives, many belongings, & fine food. Even allowed to eat meat!

Vaishya

• Farmers, landowners, bakers, traders, money-lenders

• Usually wealthy, but still toward the bottom of the caste system. They are responsible for constructing public buildings. Well-educated caste.

• Considered an extremely important caste because of the work they do. Some resentment due to place in system versus wealth/importance.

Shudra

• “Unskilled” workers (cobblers, blacksmiths, maids, cooks) & slaves

• Not untouchables, but still discriminated against. Had to use different temples & public buildings.

• Significant difference between Vaishya & Shudra castes.

• Spend most of the day doing menial work.

Dalit – “Untouchables”

• Butchering, street cleaning, latrine/sewer work. This work is “unclean” & contagious.

• Forced to stay outside of village. Can’t use temples or schools. Not allowed to touch others.

• Extremely poor, they were often harassed, murdered, and victims of violence.