2

The caste system in India as practiced today has several layers of complexities, mostly undesirable ones. But it's a reality. Now, it's commonly accepted that the Indus Valley civilization involved people from parts of present day Europe. I am trying to understand if this practice has origins elsewhere or if the caste system has it's origins in this sub-continent itself.

An alternative way to put my query is: What, if any, is the earliest evidence of a practice similar to the caste system in the world?

| improve this question | |
  • 1
    "the Indus Valley civilization involved people from parts of present day Europe" - first time I've heard this. Can you provide your sources? – Danila Smirnov Jan 18 '18 at 4:27
  • 1
    You are more amateur than me. The Indus valley Civilization was the pre-Aryan civilization of Northern India. It belonged to a round headed people related to the Sumerians. the aryans had a rigid hereditary caste system. I'm not sure of any earlier examples but it probably predates them. – John Dee Jan 18 '18 at 4:41
  • 1
    Not sure but I would search for "round headed Sumerian Dravidian". it's the idea that they spread slowly from Africa along the coastline. I'm also not positive that the Aryans brought their caste structure from Aryana because the Brahman religion was a development that occured in India. I think they did bring it though. – John Dee Jan 18 '18 at 4:54
  • 1
    @JohnDee "the aryans had a rigid hereditary caste system" - but the first mentions of caste system (varnas) are dated to 1500-1300 BC, and Indus Valley civilisation collapsed (possibly due to Aryan invasion) long before that (all of Late Harappan cities seem to be abandoned by 1700 BC). How do we know if Aryans had caste system at the moment of the invasion? – Danila Smirnov Jan 18 '18 at 4:56
  • 2
    @J Asia Social stratification is basic, hereditary castes are not. If what you said about Altyn Depe has substance than its a big deal. – John Dee Jan 19 '18 at 2:49

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.