Question

review questions
directions: locate each heading below in your textbook. then use the information under
the correct heading and subheading to help you write each answer.

1. social class in ancient india

a. what cultures ideas did the social structure of ancient india reflect?
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b. what were the four varnas of ancient indian society?
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c. why were sudras important to ancient india?
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d. how did ones jati, or caste, influence ones life in ancient india?
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e. why were untouchables outside the caste system?
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ii. hinduism
a. what beliefs merged and developed into hinduism?
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b. what is brahman?
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c. how do hindus regard their gods? what do they seek through devotion to the gods?
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Explanation:

• I.A: The social structure of ancient India reflected Aryan culture's ideas. The Aryans introduced the varna system which was based on their social and religious beliefs.
• I.B: The four varnas of ancient Indian society were Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and farmers), and Shudras (servants and laborers).
• I.C: Sudras were important to ancient India as they performed essential manual labor tasks like farming, construction, and serving the higher varnas, which kept the society functioning.
• I.D: One's jati (caste) influenced life in ancient India by determining occupation (usually hereditary within the jati), social interactions (restricted to within the jati in many cases), marriage (endogamous - within the jati), and social status.
• I.E: Untouchables were outside the caste system because their occupations (such as handling dead bodies, working with leather from dead animals) were considered “unclean” and polluting according to the religious and social beliefs of the caste - based society.
• II.A: The beliefs that merged and developed into Hinduism included Aryan religious beliefs (such as Vedic rituals and deities) and Dravidian (indigenous Indian) beliefs (like local cults, nature worship, and ideas about the soul and reincarnation).
• II.B: Brahman is the ultimate reality, the supreme cosmic spirit in Hinduism. It is formless, infinite, and eternal, from which all of creation is said to emanate.
• II.C: Hindus regard their gods in various ways. Some gods are seen as manifestations of Brahman. They seek blessings such as material prosperity (e.g., from Lakshmi - the goddess of wealth), spiritual enlightenment (e.g., from Shiva - associated with destruction and transformation which can lead to new beginnings), protection (e.g., from Durga - the warrior goddess), and moral and ethical guidance through devotion to the gods.

Answer:

• I.A: Aryan culture's ideas.
• I.B: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras.
• I.C: Performed essential manual labor for society.
• I.D: Determined occupation, social interactions, marriage, and status.
• I.E: Their occupations were considered “unclean”.
• II.A: Aryan and Dravidian beliefs.
• II.B: The ultimate reality, supreme cosmic spirit.
• II.C: Regard gods as manifestations of Brahman; seek blessings like prosperity, enlightenment, protection, and guidance.