The Varna System

Worksheet Description

This worksheet is about the Aryan caste system in Ancient India, also known as the varna system, which was a form of social stratification that developed after the arrival of the Aryans around 1500 BCE. It breaks down society into four main categories: the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, each with distinct roles and responsibilities. The text explains the hierarchy from the learned and priestly Brahmins to the laboring Shudras, and the social dynamics that governed this structure. It also mentions the Dalits, or untouchables, who existed outside the caste system and performed the most menial and degrading tasks.

The aim of the worksheet is to teach students about the complex social structure of ancient Indian society and how it shaped daily life and governance for centuries. It discusses the roles and duties assigned to each caste, the significance of these roles in maintaining social order, and the rigid framework that limited social mobility. Students will learn how the caste system influenced every aspect of life, including occupation, marriage, and social interactions. The worksheet encourages students to reflect on the historical implications of such social systems and their enduring effects on society.