Varna and Jati Essay - 850 Words

1. What are the origins of the concepts of varna and jati, and why has the varna-jati system of social organization lasted so long? What social needs did they serve, and how are these social functions addressed in our culture? During the Vedic Age of Indian civilization, it is believed that after the collapse of the Indus Valley civilization some of the kinship groups and patriarchal families migrated into India. As some within the Aryas tribe (light-skinned) entered into the Ganges Valley, they encountered a struggle with the Dasas tribe (dark-skinned) but managed to force the tribe into southern India. The struggle between the tribes led to the development of the Varna class system. Under this system, people were born†¦show more content†¦2011). The system seems to have kept much of the Indian population under subjection because some members was unwilling to challenge their positions. The internal divisions and complexes hierarchy of the Indian society served an important social function. The system provided each individual with a clear identity and role and offered the benefits of group solidarity and support. Certain interactions and behaviors were appropriate only between those of equal status. The system assured that the religious, political, and financial powers were all separated into four different social classes (Bulliet, et. 2011). The United States is a nation of diverse cultures. People are classified as rich, middle class, or poor. The rich are considered well educated and highly paid professionals; the middle class are semi-professional and educated working middle class; and the poor are the working under class with very little to no education. Income is the most prominent indicator of class status, and education to occupation and income. 2. Are there substantial similarities between the origins and the development of the Silk Road and the trans-Saharan trade? There are similarities and differences between the origin and development of the Silk Road and the trans-Saharan trade. The Silk Road was a travel route acrossShow MoreRelatedExplain the Difference Between Vará ¹â€¡a and JÄ ti, and Their Place in Hinduism.1611 Words   |  7 Pagesdifference between vará ¹â€¡a and jÄ ti, and their place in Hinduism. As both of the Sanskrit word varna and jati are usually translated as â€Å"caste†, it has always misleading because they have an important differences behind them. Varna and jati are deeply rooted in Hindu’s daily life, therefore, you cannot talk about Hinduism without mention varna and jati. Commonly, people saying that there are four varnas – Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra. 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