Social Hierarchy Quiz: Understanding Historical Societies

What social divisions were prevalent in most regions?

Who were considered as the 'upper castes'?

What were the occupations of those considered as 'untouchable'?

What was the main objective of the associations mentioned in the text?

What led to the changing norms and perceptions over the nineteenth and twentieth centuries?

Why did Periyar criticize the influence of Sanskrit on women?

What did the Brahmo Samaj prohibit and believe in?

Why did the Brahmo Samaj critically draw upon the ideals of Hinduism and Christianity?

What was the focus of the Prarthana Samaj tradition?

What did many of the reformers and members of reform associations do in secret meetings?

What did Christian missionaries begin setting up for tribal groups and 'lower'-caste children during the nineteenth century?

What new demands of labor were created by the factories, municipalities, and urban development?

Social divisions based on caste, class, and gender were prevalent in most regions.
The 'upper castes' consisted of Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas, who held power and prestige.

Occupations of 'Untouchables'

Occupations of those considered 'untouchable' included scavenging, sweeping, and removal of human waste.

Reform Associations

The main objective of associations like the Brahmo Samaj, Prarthana Samaj, and others was to reform social and religious practices.

Changing Norms and Perceptions

The changing norms and perceptions over the nineteenth and twentieth centuries were influenced by the introduction of Western education, colonialism, and the activities of reform associations.

Periyar's Criticism of Sanskrit

Periyar criticized the influence of Sanskrit on women, arguing that it perpetuated their subordination and limited their access to education.

Brahmo Samaj

The Brahmo Samaj prohibited idol worship, sacrifices, and the use of sacred threads, and believed in the equality of all human beings.
It critically drew upon the ideals of Hinduism and Christianity to promote social and religious reform.

Prarthana Samaj

The focus of the Prarthana Samaj tradition was on the worship of a formless God and the promotion of social and religious reform.

Secret Meetings

Many reformers and members of reform associations held secret meetings to discuss and plan their activities.

Christian Missionaries

Christian missionaries began setting up schools and educational institutions for tribal groups and 'lower'-caste children during the nineteenth century.

New Demands of Labor

The factories, municipalities, and urban development created new demands of labor, leading to the emergence of new social classes and occupations.

Explore the differences in social hierarchy in historical societies based on caste and occupation. Learn about the divisions between Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras, and laborers. Gain insights into the complex social structures of past civilizations.