The document discusses the caste system during the Vedic and early Buddhist periods in India. It defines caste and explains how the four main castes - Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras - originated from different parts of the primal man's body according to the Rig Veda. The Bhagavad Gita supported the caste hierarchy and defined the duties of each caste. There were rules around inter-caste marriage. Buddhism emerged as an alternative that was against the Hindu caste system and provided more equitable treatment.
2. CONTENTS
Definition of caste Mixed Classes
Introduction of caste Why mixed classes?
system in Vedic period Early Buddhist period and
the caste system.
The Bhagvad Gita and
References and Sources
the class sytem
End
3. DEFINITION OF CASTE
Pronunciation:/kɑːst
/
noun:
each of the hereditary classes of Hindu society,
distinguished by relative degrees of ritual purity or
pollution and of social status:members of the lower castes
4. INTRODUCTION OF CASTE SYSTEM
DURING VEDIC PERIOD
According the Rig Veda, the ancient Hindu book, the primal man - Purush -
destroyed himself to create a human society. The different castes were created
from different parts of his body.
• The Brahmans were created from his head;
• The Kshatrias from his hands;
• The Vaishias from his thighs and
• The Sudras from his feet.
The caste hierarchy is determined by the descending order of the different
organs from which the castes were created.
5. THE BHAGAVAD GITA SAYS THIS
ABOUT THE CASTES
The works of Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras are
different, in harmony with the three powers of their born nature.
The works of a Brahmin are peace; self-harmony, austerity, and purity;
loving-forgiveness and righteousness; vision and wisdom and faith.
These are the works of a Kshatriya: a heroic mind, inner fire,
constancy, resourcefulness, courage in battle, generosity and noble
leadership.
Trade, agriculture and the rearing of cattle is the work of a Vaishya.
And the work of the Shudra is service.
6. CONTD.
The Bhagvad Gita says that one must do their class duties to keep
in line with the cosmos.
This way you worship the divine being.
7. INTER-CASTE MARRIAGES
Brahmins were allowed 4 wives.
Kshatriyas were allowed 3 wives.
Vaishyas were allowed 2 wives and
Shudras were allowed one wife.
Also the first three classes were allowed to marry into a class above or
below their own but not the shudras.
8. THE MIXED CLASSES
Savarnas: Sons born to wives of same class as husband’s or the
class immediately below.
Ambasthas, Ugras, Nisadas: sons born to wives 2 or 3 classes
below the husband.
and so on with the reverse order.
9. BUDDHISM AGAINST CLASS
SYSTEM
When the buddhist caste was spreading, people like the shudras
got a chance to be treated fair and equal.
The buddhist community was against the hindu caste system.
10. SOURCES AND REFRENCES
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/caste?view=uk
Class handouts:
• Ambattha Sutta
• Bhagvad Gita
• Class systems
• Purusa Sutta
