South Asia Theme 5 CCOT

South Asia Theme 5 The region of South Asia underwent many changes and continuities that resulted in a heavily patriarchal and hierarchal social structure by 600 CE. Perhaps the biggest change in the society was the caste system brought about by Aryans from Europe. The invaders helped to develop the different statuses going from priests, to warriors, to merchants, to commoners, and the natives or untouchables at the bottom. Once people were born into their designated caste, it was basically impossible to stray from it. These different subdivisions were a result of commerce and religion. As trading became more vital, merchant and craftsmen classes grew and pushed their way onto the social scale below the warriors. Hinduism, also derived from the Aryan invaders, provided the highest social standing referred to as Brahmins or priests. The caste system grew to be more important to the people than the government's authority as it provided a strong political and social stability. The second largest faith practiced in India next to Hinduism was Buddhism. The religion grew in popularity due to its message of equality to men and women alike from all levels of society. This affected the gender roles as well as social structure although the overall patriarchy and hierarchy firmly remained. From the beginning of this era, women were viewed as inferior and little is done to change this idea through 600 CE. These women were not even entitled to own property, and the superiority of men is also shown through the emperors many wives. This is demonstrated further in the family structures of South Asia as they are always headed by the men, both young and old. Marriages were often arranged while the girls were at very young ages in order to ensure adequate dowry. Women were responsible for the nurturing of children, performance of petty chores, and any other tasks assigned by the husbands, fathers, and sons of the family. The men, on the other hand, were educated and not at all