Archaeological evidence indicates that civilization emerged in the Indus Valley around 3300
BCE. Over two millenniums, the inhabitants of this northwestern region of the Indian
subcontinent developed into a prosperous civilization with a distinct cultural style. However,
around 1500 BCE, a new culture, the Aryans, entered India through the Khyber Pass, and
began integrating themselves into the social framework of the Indus Valley civilization.
The origin of the Aryan people is subject to continuous scholarly debate; however, two theories
prevail. Traditionally, it has been thought that the Aryans emerged in the Caucasus region and
migrated westward into Europe and eastward into India. Another theory, the Cultural Diffusion
Hypothesis, states that the Aryans originated in the Indus Valley.
The Aryans furnished civilization in the Indian subcontinent with many impressive cultural and
religious contributions and shaped Indian society for thousands of years with the creation of the
caste system.
Society
According to traditional theories, the Indian caste system has its origins in the advent of the
Aryans in the Indus Valley. Thus, this social stratification system was the product of the Aryan
people’s will to separate themselves from, and subjugate, the local populations.
Initially, this new society, which included Aryans and non-Aryans, was hierarchically divided into
four varnas (i.e. castes). In fact, these four original varnas could be better categorized in two
groups: Aryans and Non-Aryans. Nevertheless, the four varnas, from the top down, were: the
Brahmins—Aryans (priests, scholars, and philosophers); the Kshatriyas—Aryans (rulers and
warriors); the Vaishyas—Aryans (farmers, traders, merchants, and craftsmen); and the lowest
caste, the Shudras—non-Aryans (laborers, peasants, and servants for the other castes).
Each varna was divided into jatis (i.e. sub-castes), which identified the individual’s occupation
and imposed marriage restrictions. Marriage was only possible between members of the same
jati (or two that were very close).
Both varnas and jatis determined a person’s purity level. Members of higher varnas or jatis had
higher purity levels, and if contaminated (even by touch) by members of lower social groups,
they would have to undergo extensive cleansing rites.
Answer:
Que?
Explanation:
Justingorethispleaseokhaveagoodday
Answer:
A separate bill of rights might be used later to limit rights that were not originally listed
Explanation:
Answer:
Ultimately it is the people who have the political power
Explanation:
Popular sovereignty is government based on consent of the people. The government’s source of authority is the people, and its power is not legitimate if it disregards the will of the people. Government established by free choice of the people is expected to serve the people, who have sovereignty, or supreme power.
There are four ways that popular sovereignty is expressed in a democracy.
First, the people are involved either directly or through their representatives in the making of a constitution.
Second, the constitution made in the name of the people is ratified by a majority vote of the people or by representatives elected by the people.
Third, the people are involved directly or indirectly in proposing and ratifying amendments to their constitution.
Fourth, the people indicate support for their government when they vote in public elections, uphold the constitution and basic principles of their government, and work to influence public policy decisions and otherwise prompt their representatives in government to be accountable to them
