Table of Contents
How did the Indian caste system start?
According to this theory, the caste system began with the arrival of the Aryans in India. The Aryans arrived in India around 1500 BC. The fair skinned Aryans arrived in India from south Europe and north Asia. The Dravidians originate from the Mediterranean and they were the largest community in India.
There were four classes in the caste system: Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (kings, governors, and warriors), Vaishyas (cattle herders, agriculturists, artisans, and merchants), and Shudras (laborers and service providers).
Who is responsible for caste system in India?
The role of the British Raj on the caste system in India is controversial. The caste system became legally rigid during the Raj, when the British started to enumerate castes during their ten-year census and meticulously codified the system.
Who introduced Sati system?
Historical records tell us that sati first appeared between 320CE to 550CE, during the rule of Gupta Empire. Incidents of sati were first recorded in Nepal in 464CE, and later on in Madhya Pradesh in 510CE. The practice then spread to Rajasthan, where most number of sati cases happened over the centuries.
What was the social structure of ancient India? They had four Varnas: Brahmins, Warriors, Commoners like merchants and farmers, and Sudras or peasants. Had a caste system that ranked people based on their occupation and economic potential. Lowest level was the Untouchables.
What was the highest social class in ancient India?
The first social class was the Brahmins. These people were said to be the highest group in the caste system. They were most likely priests and religious scholars. The next people in line were the Kshatriyas.
Where did Dravidians came from?
Dravidian speakers form the majority of the population of South India and are natively found in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka….Dravidian peoples.
| Dravidians | |
|---|---|
| Proto-language | Proto-Dravidian |
| Subdivisions | Northern Central Southern |
| ISO 639-2 / 5 | dra |
| Linguasphere | 49 = (phylozone) |