A fifth group known as Dalits, historically excluded from the varna system, are ostracized and called untouchables. The caste system as it exists today is thought to be a product of developments following the collapse of British colonial rule in India.
The system is frowned upon by many people in Indian society and was a focus of social justice campaigns during the 20th century by prominent progressive activists such as B. Ambedkar, an architect of the Indian Constitution, and Mahatma Gandhi, the revered leader of the nonviolent Indian independence movement.
Gandhi at Madras, During his appearances Gandhi frequently spoke out against the discrimination of the Indian caste system. Privacy Policy. Skip to main content. Search for:. They are derived from the ancient Indo-Aryan culture of the Indian Subcontinent and began as an oral tradition that was passed down through generations before finally being written in Vedic Sanskrit between and BCE Before Common Era. The Vedas are structured in four different collections containing hymns, poems, prayers, and religious instruction.
The Indian caste system is based on a fable from the Vedas about the sacrifice of the deity Purusha. Terms Rig Veda The oldest and most important of the four Vedas.
Caste System An ancient social structure based upon one of the fables in the Vedas, castes persist in modern India. Hinduism A major world religion that began on the Indian Subcontinent. Contents of the Vedas The Vedas are made up of four compositions, and each veda in turn has four parts which are arranged chronologically. The Samhitas are the most ancient part of the Vedas, consisting of hymns of praise to God.
The Brahmanas are rituals and prayers to guide the priests in their duties. The Aranyakas concern worship and meditation. The Upanishads consist of the mystical and philosophical teachings of Hinduism.
The Samhitas Rig-Veda Samhita c. Yajur-Veda Samhita is used as a handbook by priests performing the vedic sacrifices. Sama-Veda Samhita consists of chants and tunes for singing at the sacrifices. Atharva-Veda Samhita c. The Upanishads The Upanishads were so called because they were taught to those who sat down beside their teachers. The early Upanishads are concerned with understanding the sacrificial rites.
Central to the Upanishads is the concept of brahman; the sacred power which informs reality. The Ramayana Composed in the same period, the Ramayana is one of India's best known tales. The story is written in 24, couplets. See also. Religion and Ethics home Interfaith calendar Ethics guides. Settings Sign out. Hence, its text is a reduced version of the Rig Veda. The Yajur Veda is also a liturgical collection and was made to meet the demands of a ceremonial religion.
The last of the Vedas, this is completely different from the other three Vedas and is next in importance to the Rig Veda with regard to history and sociology. A different spirit pervades this Veda. Its hymns are of a more diverse character than the Rig Veda and are also simpler in language. In fact, many scholars do not consider it part of the Vedas at all. The Atharva Veda consists of spells and charms prevalent at its time and portrays a clearer picture of the Vedic society.
Manoj Sadasivan also contributed to this article. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile.
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