The Caste System in Ancient India: A Webquest

In ancient India, people were born into their social position in life. This webquest will help you to imagine yourself as part of the social structure of this civilization through online discovery, games, and journal writing. Reincarnation is at hand...into which caste will you be born?

Become a Person from Ancient India

  • Begin with the Identity card you were given in class. This will tell you to which caste you belong, and a bit about yourself.
  • Use both the links for your caste and the Glossary to complete the complete the graphic organizer handout.

    • Resources:

    General Caste Links

    Grolier article on the Caste System

    Britannica's link on the Caste System

    Encarta: Caste System

    The Caste System and the Stages of Life in Hinduism (Has a diagram with the four castes as well as an explanation of the four stages of life of the top three castes and explanation of why Shudras are not "twice born" like the other three castes.)

    Quizzes:

    Take the Quia Quiz to check your knowledge. Remember to use the Glossary for assistance.

    A fun quiz about the concept of Karma

    The Castes

    Brahmin: The Priests

    Kshatriya: The Rulers/Warriors

    Vaishya: The Merchants

    Shudra: The Servicepeople

    A good resource for each caste can be found at India Mystica. Click on "Beliefs and Concepts", then see the circle on this page's graphic organizer that says "Varna".

    Journal Organizer #1: Who are you?

    For #1 and #2 below, use the India Mystica link.

    1. Describe your caste.
    2. Describe how your Varna/Caste was created.
    3. Describe your position in relation to other castes. India's Caste System.
    4. Creatively label the map you were given showing where you live in India.

    Journal Organizer #2: Your work

    Describe your job and how you learned it.
    Resource: India's Caste System

    Today you went to the market. Describe the Experience:

  • Why did you go to the market?
  • What did you do while you were there?
  • Who did you see?
  • How were you treated by others in your caste? How did you treat them?
  • What about people not in your caste?

    • Journal Organizer #3: Reflection

    How do you feel about yourself and your position in life?
    Describe your attitudes, feelings, and interactions towards or with people of different castes.

    Are you ready to try to achieve Moksha? Use the India Mystica link again, but this time, after clicking on "Beliefs and Concepts", look under the "Ospicious" circle at the bottom of the page's graphic organizer for "Moksha", and click it. Describe the Three Paths to Achieve Moksha.

    We gratefully acknowledge Rebecca Clark, Mike Guerena, Terri Linman and Daniel Pearson of the Encinitas Union School District as the creators of the original "Experiencing India's Caste System" Webquest; this page is a direct offshoot of their hard work.

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