After learning about the history and development of the caste system, students discuss a New York Times article about how new political power granted to women in lower castes is affecting the political and social climate of India. Review the Academic Content Standards related to this lesson. Understand the creation of the caste system in India, how castes divide Indian citizens, and how the caste system affects daily life in India. Turn Village Rule Upside Down.
Students then share their responses.
As a class, read and discuss a summary of India s caste system from an encyclopedia. Discuss when and why the caste system came into being, how the system divides Indian citizens, and how the caste system affects daily life in India. On a piece of poster board, each group creates a visual display about their caste focusing on these three aspects of life in India for their particular class. In a future class, students should present their research to the class for further discussion on the caste system. Students will be evaluated based on written journal entry, participation in class discussions, and group research on a class in Indian society.