Caste determined who they could marry and what work they could do. Higher castes had special privileges, while lower castes faced many restrictions. When Buddhism emerged, it challenged some of these social divisions by teaching that spiritual progress depended on a person’s actions rather than who or what situation they were born to.
SOURCE5 People were born into their caste, which determined their role in society.
Kshatriya Brahmin
Priests, scholars, religious teachers
Rulers, warriors and administrators
Business class of land-owning farmers, merchants and traders
Vaisya
Working class of artisans, peasants and labourers who were often treated as slaves
Sudra
Untouchables People outside the caste system who worked as cleaners or launderers, or who handled dead people, dead animals or human waste
SkillBuilder discussion Communicating 1. Most people in the modern world regard the caste system as cruel and unjust. Discuss this viewpoint. 2. How might a caste system beneýt a society?
6.8.3 The status of women in ancient India The role of women in ancient India changed signiýcantly over time. During the early Vedic period (1500– 1000 BCE), women had more freedoms — some could study sacred texts, participate in religious rituals and choose their husbands through a ceremony called ‘Swayamvara’. We also know of female scholars like Gargi and Maitreyi who debated philosophy with men. However, women’s position in society gradually changed. By the time of the Mauryan Empire, many earlier freedoms had been limited. Later texts like the Manusmriti recommended more restrictions on women’s independence. These changes affected different social classes differently — royal women often had more privileges than others. 6.8.4 Buddhism and the natural world Buddhism spread across Asia and beyond (see SOURCE6 ). It began in India. Buddhism emphasises contentment and respect for nature, teaching that humans are interconnected with the natural world and should meet their needs without harming the environment. A key belief is reincarnation — knowing that one could be reincarnated as an animal encourages kindness and respect for all living things.
Jacaranda Humanities Alive 7 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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