The Untouchables

National Geographic has published an excellent gallery of images, video and testimony about the current state of the caste system in India. As we learned in class, discrimination against India's lowest Hindu castes is technically illegal. But life is extremely hard for the 160 million "Untouchables" currently living in India.

To explore more about this topic, please check out National Geographic's Gallery on their website.





By Tom O'Neill Photographs by William Albert Allard

Hinduism

Hindu Slide Show

Mandala Assignment: Due Wednesday for E, F, H. Due Thursday for G

Mandala

Hinduism: Why So Many Gods?

Here is the article that is due on Friday. You received in in class, but please click here to download it from "Hinduism Today". You are responsible for section 1: "Why are there so many gods?". Please actively read article and complete the questions that are posted below.

Hinduism Many Gods

Why is the Aryan Invasion Theory So Controversial??

Here are some major points we covered in class this week:

The Aryan Invasion Theory was originally devised in the 19th century. It traces the history of Hinduism to the invasion of India's indigenous people by lighter skinned Aryans around 1500 BCE. The theory was reinforced by other research and became the accepted history of Hinduism around the world (even in India).

Here are some controversial facts I would like you to think about:

• The theory is based on archeological evidence; the theory has not been adapted to fit the conclusions from more recent artifacts.
• The theory suggests that India's culture and religion came not from indigenous people, but from foreign invaders.

As we go forth in our India Unit, I would like you to think about the evidence you have learned about to make your own conclusions about how this story should be presented.

Who composed the Vedas?

Here is the homework assignment, due class two of this week. Please use your reading to complete the assignment. This assignment will be graded and collected.

HW- Vedas Q

Weekly Calendar: Quarter 1, Week 4

WH 9-21

Fun News: Golfing on the Roof of the World

For those of you that are interested (especially H block), the tiny country of Bhutan has been getting a lot of press for its stellar golf courses. Check out an article from golf.com and Golf Digest.

Disclosure: I have never been golfing! Or to Bhutan!

illustration http://poulhanslange.com

Chapter 2.3: Indus River Valley Civilizations

Here are my notes (in correct outline form) for our first outlining assignment. Please use this as a template this year.
Ancient India 3.2