People have been living on the Indian subcontinent for 250,000 years! Currently there are over 1.3 billion people living in the Republic of India, making it the second most populous country in the world next to China. Learn more with Storyboard That!
Ancient Civilizations are typically taught focusing on the key areas of: Geography, Religion, Achievements, Politics, Economy and Social Structure using the acronym G.R.A.P.E.S. By utilizing this acronym, students can compartmentalize their findings and compare and contrast different civilizations.
G.R.A.P.E.S.: Geography, Religion, Achievements, Politics, Economy and Social Life.
This storyboard explains the social life and hierarchy of ancient India.
Storyboard Text
SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF ANCIENT INDIA
Ancient Indian Hinduism imposed a strict social hierarchy called a "caste system". The Vedas described four main social classes: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. The Dalit (formerly known as "untouchables") are considered outside the system and treated poorly. The caste system affected every part of a person's life as whatever caste they were born into could not be changed. One could not marry outside of their caste either.