Indian Civilization & The Hindu Caste System — Study Materials Flashcards

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Indus Valley

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One of the world’s earliest urban civilizations (c. 2500–1750 BCE) in the northwest Indian subcontinent known for advanced city planning, drainage systems, standardized weights, and undeciphered script. Archaeological sites like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa show sophisticated metallurgy and long-distance trade networks.

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Harappan Civilization

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A mature urban society of the Indus Valley noted for grid layouts, brick houses, remarkable sewage systems, and intricately carved seals, reflecting high technical and artistic skill. It emphasized trade, agriculture, and craft specialization.

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Vedic Period

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A formative era (c. 1500–500 BCE) after the Indus Valley marked by Indo-Aryan migrations, composition of the Vedas in Sanskrit, and transition from pastoral to settled agrarian life. It laid foundations for Hindu religious and social structures, including the early varna system.

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The Vedas

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Core sacred texts of early Vedic society (Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda) containing hymns, ritual instructions, and philosophical ideas. They shaped religious practices and the ritual authority of Brahmins.

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Varna System

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An ancient fourfold social classification from the Vedic period dividing society into Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, originally tied to occupation and aptitude. Over time it became more rigid and birth-based, paving the way for the later jati system.

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Brahmins

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The priestly and scholarly varna responsible for teaching, performing rituals, and preserving sacred knowledge and texts. They held high ritual status and guided religious life.

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Kshatriyas

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The warrior and administrative varna tasked with protection, governance, and military leadership in traditional Vedic society. They were responsible for maintaining order and defending the realm.

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Vaishyas

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The productive varna including traders, farmers, and artisans responsible for commerce, agriculture, and economic activities. Their role was central to material prosperity and local markets.

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Shudras

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The laboring varna whose duties involved service and manual work supporting the other three varnas. Traditionally placed lower in ritual hierarchy, their status and restrictions increased over time.

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Jāti

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A localized caste subdivision often linked to specific occupations or communities, numbering in the thousands and forming the basis of hereditary social groups and endogamy. Jatis structured everyday social interaction and marriage choices.

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Karma

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The belief that actions produce consequences that determine the conditions of future births, providing moral explanation and incentive for ethical conduct. Karma underpinned social status and justified life circumstances in religious terms.

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Dharma

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Duty, moral law, and appropriate conduct associated with one’s role in society and life stage; it prescribes obligations to family, caste, and community. Observing dharma was seen as essential to maintaining social and cosmic order.

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Samsara (Reincarnation)

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The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth through which souls pass, shaped by karma; liberation from this cycle (moksha) is a central religious aim. Samsara explains social inequalities as results of past lives' deeds.

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Moksha

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Spiritual liberation from the cycle of samsara, achieved through knowledge, devotion, or correct action, and regarded as the ultimate religious goal. Moksha reframes life priorities toward spiritual over material goals.

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Untouchability

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A social practice that excluded certain groups (later called Dalits) regarded as ritually impure, subjecting them to residential segregation, denial of public facilities, and menial occupations. It developed as caste stratification hardened into hereditary hierarchy.

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Dalits

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Communities historically labeled as untouchable and placed outside the varna system, often forced into stigmatized occupations and social exclusion. Dalits faced systemic discrimination but have been central to reform and legal struggles in modern India.

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Joint Family

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A household structure where multiple generations live together, share property, and perform rituals collectively, providing social security and identity. The joint family reinforced social norms, obligations, and transmission of caste status.

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Village Community

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The traditional self-sufficient rural unit around which social, economic, and political life revolved, often organized by kinship and caste-based roles. Villages enforced local norms, managed resources, and sustained communal decision-making.

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Rta

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The Vedic concept of cosmic order that rituals and moral behavior were meant to preserve, ensuring harmony between human action and the universe. Maintaining rta justified ritual practices and social duties.

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Endogamy

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The practice of marrying within one’s caste or jati, which reinforced hereditary status and limited social mobility by preventing inter-caste unions. Endogamy was crucial to transforming occupational roles into permanent caste identities.