Question

part ii: answer the critical response questions using the documents provided and your knowledge of social studies.
document 1
source: the bhagavad gita, india, circa 1200 b.c.e.
having regard to your own duty also, you ought not to falter, for there is nothing better for a kshatriya warriors than a righteous battle.... the fourfold division of castes was created by me according to the appointment of qualities and duties.... the duties of brahmins, kshatriya, and vaisyas, and of sudras too... are distinguished according to the qualities born of nature. tranquility, restraints of the senses, penance, purity, forgiveness, straightforwardness, also knowledge, experience, and belief in the future world, this is the natural duty of brahmins. valor, glory, courage, dexterity, not slinking away from battle, gifts, exercise of lordly power, this is natural duty of kshatriyas. agriculture, tending cattle, trade, this is the natural duty of vaisyas. and the natural duty of sudras, too, consists in service. every man intent on his own respective duties obtains perfection.
purpose: the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.

1. using document 1, explain the purpose of writing the bhagavad gita. 1

Explanation:

The Bhagavad Gita excerpt explains the caste system's duties (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, Sudras) and states "Every man intent on his own respective duties obtains perfection." So the purpose of writing it is to define and justify the caste - based duties, guiding people to fulfill their caste - assigned duties for spiritual perfection (or social order by establishing caste duties).

Answer:

The purpose of writing The Bhagavad Gita (from Document 1) is to define the respective duties of different castes (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, Sudras) based on their inherent qualities and to guide individuals to fulfill their caste - assigned duties, as fulfilling one's own respective duties leads to perfection.