Question

Which three statements represent an impact of the rigid caste system on people in ancient and medieval India?

Answer 1

Answer: They followed strict caste rules while interacting with people of other castes; They believed that their present life was the result of their past karma; They considered people of other castes to be superior or inferior to themselves.

The caste system is a way of structuring society that originated in Ancient India. There are four main categories: the Brahmins (teachers, intellectuals, priests), the Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), the Vaishyas (traders, merchants, artisans, etc.) and the Shudras (performed all menial jobs). Outside the system was another category: the Dalits, or "untouchables".

This system regulated every aspect of social life among Hindus. People could only marry within their own caste, and areas of interaction were extremely restricted. When forced to interact, people would follow strict social rules. Because the caste was believed to be a consequence of past lives' karma (whether you lived a righteous life), the caste was assigned for life. Although this system is illegal in modern India, its legacy is still present within certain communities.