1. World Literature English 3, Fall Semester

2. India • Hinduism began in prehistoric India and is one of the oldest religions in the world. • Practiced long before it was finally recorded in what are now called the sacred writings.

3. The Writings • Vedas: older than the sacred texts of any of the world’s other major religions, including the Hebrew and Christian Bibles. • Puranas: long stories of Hindu gods, goddesses, and heroes. • Bhagavad-Gita: a conversation between the god Krishna and the warrior Arjuna on the meaning of life. • Manu Smriti: source of basic Hindu social and religious law

4. Manu-Smriti • Caste system: rigid class system • Caste, life stage and gender determined one’s standing, with women occupying the lower position in each caste • Four Main Varnas

5. Brahmans: priests, scholars Kshatriyas: rulers of the warrior class Vaisyas: merchants and professionals Sudras: laborers and servants Untouchables: no longer to exist, but people are still discriminated against Four Main Varnas

6. Brahma: creator of the universe Vishnu: preserver of the universe Shiva: is its destroyer Shiva’s wife (Durga, Kali, Parvati, or Uma) can be worshipped and feared and is considered more important than even the higher male gods Beliefs in different gods

7. Roles for women • To be virtuous, Hindu women must follow the laws based on dharma found in the Laws of Manu in order. • Laws dictate that women must allow men to control them • Modern life is helping to change these views

8. The Duties of Women An excerpt from the Laws of Manu Pgs. 59-60