The document summarizes the caste system of ancient India, which divided Indian society into five hierarchical groups according to occupation and social status. The Aryan invaders established this system, with Brahmins as priests and teachers at the top, followed by Kshatriyas as warriors, Vaishyas as traders and merchants, Sudras as laborers, and Harijans as untouchables below all other castes. People were born into their caste and it was impossible to change, with castes strictly governing relationships and interactions between groups.

1. The Caste System of Ancient India By: Megan Douglas

2. Origins of the Caste System Indo-European Aryans invaded India in 1500 BC They were warrior people who established control and began to restructure Indian social classifications Under their influence Indian people were divided into five different social groups The Aryans

3. Caste According to the Rig Veda The duties of Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaisyas, and of Sudras, too, O terror of your foes! are distinguished according to the qualities born of nature. CHAPTER XVIII, pp. 126-127 http://www.worldfuturefund.org/wffmaster/Reading/Germany/Caste Quotes.htm

4. The Different Castes

5. The Brahmins Members of the highest caste Priests and teachers of Sanskrit Performed religious duties and preached Dharma Only caste allowed to teach and attend school

6. The Kshatriya Ranked below the Brahmins Functioned as warriors or army leaders Apart of the military and ruling elite

7. The Vaishyas Below the Kshatriya Traders, cattle farmers, minor officials, merchants and artisans Owned their own business or farm land There were many more people in this caste than the Kshatriyas or Brahmins

8. The Sudras Below the Vaishyas Servants and farmhands Did not own their own land and businesses Were employed by members of higher castes The most populous caste

9. The Harijans Known as “untouchables”, “pariahs”, “the people” Technically not even a caste, below all others Responsible for handling the dead, cleaning up human waste, and collecting garbage

10. The Caste System in Practice Impossible to change castes, even in death Caste status passed down through family generations People from different castes could not marry, befriend, or eat with each other Castes were supported by religious texts

11. Resources for Standard 6.5.4: Outline the social structure of ancient India's caste system http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caste_system_in_India http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/india/people/ http://www.historytution.com/ancient_india/castesystem.html