South Asia Flashcards
Hinduism’s impact on caste system
Way to separate into social classes- based on hereditary and unchangeable status. Only Brahmins and those on the top of the caste can reach Moksha.
hinduism’s impact on Jati
The caste system is divided into Jati. Determines occupation, clothes, friends, spouse, ect. Merchant Jati developed into guilds, with little slavery.
Hinduism’s impact on gender
men controlled wealth, they were priests, warriors and tribal chiefs. Women were supposed to kill themselves if their spouse died before them, believed that they were going to be together in their next life.
Hinduism’s core beliefs
Brahman
Like the palm. All individual souls bleed into this after reaching enlightenment or in death
Hinduism’s Core Beliefs
Atman
Human soul, individual. it is about understanding things around us.
Hinduism’s Core Beliefs
Samsara
The belief is that it takes thousands of lifetimes to get to the True Reality and to learn all of life’s lessons. Only Brahmins can reach Moksha. Strengthens the caste system.
Dharmas
Individual’s duty to follow everything in Hinduism to a T, dedication to the varna (duty they have in a certain caste)
Moksha
One with Brahman. It means to stop biases, judging and get rid of everything that is true and look at what is. It is very existential.
Upanishads
In the Brahmin class. Understands what it means to be Hindu.
Theravada Buddhism
Monks
Monks were dedicated to reaching nirvana, it was about balance in life, concept of a middle way and a path between two extremes. They were gifted items they needed by the community and couldn’t purchase anything themselves.
Theravada Buddhism
Caste system
Rejects the caste system completely, one is on your own with the universe. Appealed to the lower castes as women were allowed and provided roles outside of the house.
Theravada Buddhism
Merchants
Because committing to Buddhism was hard, they were unable to be merchants or purchase their own items. Merchants spread the idea of Buddhism but were probably not actively practicing. However, Mahayana Buddhism allowed people to strive toward enlightenment even if they couldn’t become monks which is the idea that was spoken among merchants.
Theravada Buddhism
Four Noble Truths
Life is misery, misery is caused by desire, end desire in oneself= end misery in the world one person at a time. To end desire, follow the eightfold path.
Theravada Buddhism
8 Fold path
Right view- True Reality; Right intention, free your mind of evil; Right Speech, say nothing that hurts others; Right action, work for the good of others; Right livelihood, respect life (key to hinduism); Right effort, resist evil; Right Concentration, practice meditation (key to hinduism), Right mindfulness, control your thoughts. Can be accomplished through various dharma-duties in buddhism
Theravada Buddhism
Nirvana
gain this acceptance and pop out of existence. Reached once learning all of life’s lessons and being in the True Reality.
Devotional Cults
For Shiva and Vishnu, Focus shifts to creating a closer relationship with god or more spiritualistic ideals.
Bhakti Movement
Cult of love and devotion for god. It was to erase the distinction between Hinduism and god. Dancing, poetry, and drugs. No caste system. It was to bridge the gap between religions.
Islam’s impact on the Caste system
Muslims are regarded as a very high caste. Locals convert to increase trade opportunities. Some would marry in to be wealthier while others converted. Appealed to the lower castes like Buddhism. Not real change social standing even when in whole communities
Muslim Diasporic communities in South Asia
Became their own Jati as they were seen as a higher caste. Sufis again helped spread the idea of Islam and helped fill the loss of Buddhism with more individualized ideas.
Muslim treatment of Hindus
treated as people of the book, staging a war wasn’t good for trade, the thing they mainly wanted. Although they were polytheistic and the Muslims were monotheistic which is entirely against Islam.
Muslim Treatment of Buddhists
Buddhism was a huge threat to Hinduism. Went after buddhist temples and almost eradicated Buddhists as they were rich with gifts from the community
Sultanate of Delhi (1206 - 1527)
Mamluks
Turkish, created a predominantly Muslim area. Had absolute power. Muslim officials are in control of provinces actively. Had Ulamas, quadis, enforce Sharia Law which was a HUGE CHANGE
Sultanate of Delhi (1206 - 1527)
Administration
Officials were controlling the provinces actively and not just for trade. Actively had Ulamas, quadis.
Sultanate of Delhi (1206 - 1527)
Legal Systems
Heavily enforced the Jizya tax on the Hindu’s to make a lot of money