Report History 4 2 Merged
Report History 4 2 Merged
Sirapop Lertwipapat
M.2/14 No.10
Sirapop Lertwipapat
M.2/14 No.10
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Table of Contents
Preface .......................................................................... 1
Table of Contents .................................................... 2
Hindu Epic the Mahabharata ...................... 3-10
What is Mahabharata ............................................. 3
Mahabharata Synopsis....................................... 4-5
Lessons and Contradictions ................................ 6
18 Parvas of Mahabharata ............................. 7-10
Hindu Epic the Ramayana ......................... 10-14
What is Ramayana .................................................10
Ramayana Synopsis ...................................... 11-12
Life lessons from the Ramayana ............... 13-14
The Caste System ........................................... 15-18
What is the Caste System ...................................15
History of Caste System ............................... 17-19
Each group of people .................................... 20-21
Pros and Cons of Caste System ........................22
References ................................................................ 23
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What is Mahabharata
Mahabharata, meaning Great India, is one of the two Sanskrit epic
poems of ancient India. It is said to have been written by a Brahmin named
Vyasa. The Mahabharata is an important source of information on the
development of Hinduism between 400 BCE and 200 CE and is regarded
by Hindus as both a text about dharma (Hindu moral law) and a history
(itihasa, literally “that’s what happened”).
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Mahabharata Synopsis
The epic begins with Pandu being crowned king of Hastinapur over
his blind elder brother Dhritrashtra, though Pandu later goes into exile after
accidentally killing a sage. During his absence, Dhritrashtra rules as regent and
raises both his own sons—the Kauravas—and Pandu’s sons, the Pandavas. Once
grown, the Pandavas demand their rightful share of the kingdom, but Dhritrashtra
divides the realm; the Pandavas receive the barren Khandavaprastha, which they
transform into the prosperous city of Indraprastha through just and virtuous rule.
Envy and suspicion lead the Kauravas to trick the Pandavas in a rigged
game of dice, resulting in the Pandavas losing their claim and enduring thirteen
years of exile. During this period, they travel, absorb ancient wisdom, and hone
both their spiritual and martial skills. When the Kauravas later refuse to restore the
Pandavas’ land, an epic eighteen-day war—Kurukshetra—erupts, marked by
enormous bloodshed.
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At the war’s outset, the warrior Arjuna is paralyzed by moral doubt
over fighting his own kin. In response, Krishna, serving as his charioteer, imparts
the Bhagavad Gita profound teaching on duty, the nature of the soul, and the
paths to spiritual liberation through three forms of yoga:
After the conflict, despite the heavy losses on both sides, the Pandavas
eventually reclaimed their kingdom. Years later, choosing renunciation, they
embark on a spiritual journey into the wilderness. In a final test of righteousness
during their pilgrimage to Mount Mehru, only Yudhisthira survives—with his loyal
dog symbolizing dharma. When Yudhisthira faces further divine tests regarding
loyalty and justice, his steadfast commitment ultimately grants him access to
heaven alongside his virtuous brothers.
This summary encapsulates the rise, exile, struggle for rightful rule, the
war defined by moral dilemmas and divine instruction, and the ultimate spiritual
journey and reward of the Pandavas.
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Lessons and Contradictions
from the Mahabharata
The Mahabharata is an extensive, complex epic that intertwines
ethical teachings with notable inconsistencies. It promotes values such as
honesty, kindness, and moral behavior, but its protagonists frequently go
against these principles—employing trickery in combat and violating
established wartime regulations, as illustrated when a central character is
harmed by an illicit blow.
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18 Parvas of Mahabharata
1. Adi Parva (The Book of the Beginning)
How the Mahabharata came to be narrated by Sauti to the assembled
rishis at Naimisharanya. The recital of the Mahabharata at the
sarpasattra of Janamejaya by Vaishampayana at Taksaśilā. The history
of the Bharata race is told in detail and the parva also traces history of
the Bhrigu race. The birth and early life of the Kuru princes. (adi means
first)
2. Sabha Parva (The Book of the Assembly Hall)
Maya Danava erects the palace and court (sabha), at Indraprastha. Life
at the court, Yudhishthira’s Rajasuya Yajna, the game of dice, and the
eventual exile of the Pandavas.
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6. Bhishma Parva (The Book of Bhishma)
The first part of the great battle, with Bhishma as
commander for the Kauravas and his fall on the bed of
arrows.
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12. Shanti Parva (The Book of Peace)
The crowning of Yudhisthira as king of Hastinapura, and
instructions from Bhishma for the newly anointed king on
society, economics and politics. This is the longest book
of the Mahabharata (shanti means peace).
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17. Mahaprasthanika Parva (The Book of the
Great Journey)
The great journey of Yudhisthira and his brothers
across the whole country and finally their ascent of
the great Himalayas where each Pandava falls except
for Yudhisthira.
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What is Ramayana
The Ramayana (रामायणम् ), also known as Valmiki Ramayana, as
traditionally attributed to Valmiki, is a smriti text (also described as a
Sanskrit epic) from ancient India, one of the two important epics of
Hinduism known as the Itihasas. The epic narrates the life of Rama, the
seventh avatar of the Hindu deity Vishnu, who is a prince of Ayodhya in the
kingdom of Kosala.
The epic follows his fourteen-year exile to the forest urged by his
father King Dasharatha, on the request of Rama's stepmother Kaikeyi; his
travels across the forests in the Indian subcontinent with his wife Sita and
brother Lakshmana; the kidnapping of Sita by Ravana, the king of Lanka,
that resulted in bloodbath; and Rama's eventual return to Ayodhya along
with Sita to be crowned as a king amidst jubilation and celebration.
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Ramayana Synopsis
Rama was the eldest son of the great king Dasharatha. The gods had declared that he
was born for the specific purpose of defeating the demon-king Ravana. He is considered to be
the seventh incarnation of the great god, Vishnu.
Rama won the hand of his wife Sita in an archery contest, in which he was the only
contender able to bend a bow that had once belonged to Shiva. Sita had been born of a furrow
in the earth (this is what her name means). The two were extremely happy together, and
returned to live in Rama's home, in Ayodhya.
Rama's stepmother, Kaikeyi, wanted to promote her son Bharata as heir to the throne of
her husband, Dasharatha; Rama was eldest, and the honor rightly was due him. Kaikeyi called in
several favors her husband had promised her, and forced Dasharatha, who could not go back
on his promises to his wife—-to exile Rama for fourteen years. Rama's brother Lakshman and
his wife insisted on accompanying him, and they left together. Dasharatha died of grief, and
Bharata attempted to persuade his brother to return. Rama, also bound not to go back on his
word, refused. Bharata pledged to rule in Rama's name until his return.
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Rama, Sita, and Lakshman wandered in the forest until Rama was seen by an evil spirit,
who fell in love with him. Rama rejected her and she attacked with her allies, only to meet
defeat at the hands of Lakshman and Rama. She appealed to her brother Ravana, the strongest
and most dangerous demon on earth at that time, for help. Ravana decided to kidnap Sita, the
wife of Rama.
One of Ravana's demon followers assumed the form of a splendid deer, who aroused
the interest of Sita. She asked Rama to retrieve the deer. Lakshman drew a line or circle around
Sita to protect her magically, and went to aid his brother. While he and his brother were thus
engaged, Ravana came to Sita in the guise of a holy man. Tricking her in this way to cross the
protective line, he kidnapped her and took her to his palace on the island of Lanka.
Upon returning and finding Sita gone, Rama despaired. Accompanied by his brother, he
went in search of her. On the way the two killed a demon whose liberated spirit told them to
seek the help of Sugriva, the monkey-king. The brothers sought out the king, and helped him
to regain control of his kingdom, which had been usurped by his half-brother. In gratitude,
Sugriva dedicated his armies and his finest general—Hanuman, the son of the wind—to the
quest to retrieve Sita. Hanuman discovered Sita's location and visited her there, reassuring her
that Rama would save her. He suggested that a huge bridge to the island be constructed to
allow the siege of Lanka. After great battles and acts of heroism, the siege was completed and
Ravana defeated. Sita was rescued.
Many versions of the Ramayana end thus with return of Sita and Rama to their kingdom
after fourteen years of exile, and the commencement of Ram Rajya, the glorious time of the
rule of Ram. Other versions, such as that by Valmiki, end with the questioning of Sita's loyalty
during the time of her kidnapping, when she spent so much time in another man's home. In
such versions, Sita returned to her husband only to be put to a fire test to prove her loyalty. She
passed this test, only to be questioned again later. She was then banished with her two unborn
twin sons. Later asked to return to the kingdom, she did so only to stand before the assembly,
calling on the earth (from which she was born) to take her back again if she had remained pure.
The story ends with her absorption into her mother, the earth, and her ultimate vindication.
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Life lessons to learn from
the Ramayana
The Ramayana, one of India's most revered epics, is much more than a tale of
good triumphing over evil. It offers timeless life lessons, moral guidance, and spiritual
insights that remain relevant in today's world. Here are ten profound lessons we can
learn from this ancient text:
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8. Staying Calm in Adversity
Rama’s calm and composed demeanor, even in the face of extreme adversity, inspires us
to remain steadfast and patient during challenging times. His approach reflects the
importance of maintaining equanimity.
9. The Value of Women’s Dignity
Sita’s trials and unwavering character emphasize the importance of respecting and
protecting the dignity of women. The Ramayana calls for honoring women and
recognizing their strength and resilience.
10. Triumph of Good Over Evil
At its core, the Ramayana is a celebration of righteousness prevailing over immorality. It
reminds us that no matter how long it takes, truth and virtue will ultimately triumph.
Conclusion
The Ramayana is not just a story from the past but a guidebook for
navigating the complexities of life. Its lessons on dharma,
relationships, leadership, and moral conduct continue to inspire
generations. As we delve into this epic, we are reminded to lead lives
rooted in values, compassion, and integrity.
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What is the Caste System
A caste system is a division of society based on occupation and
family lineage. The caste system had been introduced long time ago. It was
used to define the key roles of society in India then assigned groups of
people to them. Individuals were born, worked, married, and died in these
groups. There was no social mobility.
1. Brahmins
2. Kshatriyas
3. Vaisyas
4. Sudras
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History of Caste System
1500 BCE
• The Arayans came to India and
The Kahatriyas
brought a method of grouping (warriors and rulers)
people with three varnas or classes.
The brahmins
• The system was flexible. (no rules)
(priests, scholars and teachers)
Individuals could move from one
class to another and marry someone The vaishyas
(traders, farmers, and landowners)
who belonged to different classes.
Later,
The Kahatriyas
• A fourth class was formed (warriors and rulers)
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Later,
• The brahmins replaced the
The brahmins
kshatriyas as the higher ranked
class since they were the only The kshatriyas
ones who could read holy books
well and conduct religious The vaishyas
ceremonies.
The shudras (The Indus people, the Arayans
who married them to the children)
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Brahmins
Priests
Jatis of high rank: Brahmin &
Kshatriyas Kshatriyas
Warriors and rules
Vaisyas
Skilled traders, merchants, and minor officials Jatis of low rank: corpse
disposer, bamboo weavers,
Sudras hunters, chariot makers and
Unskilled workers
sweepers
Pariah
“Harijans” Outcastes, “Untouchables”, “Children of God”
By 1000 CE,
• There were about 3,000 subcastes based on occupation within the
varna system.
• "Outcasts" or "untouchables" were outside the varna system and also
untouchable because of the nature of their occupations like skinning
animals and carrying the bodies of the dead. They suffered
considerable discrimination.
o Unequal treatment
o No means for lower
members to move up
in society
o At the bottom are the
lowest members of
the hierarchy.
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4+1 Groups of People
1. Brahmins:
People who were in the priestly class, were entitled to study the Vedas, perform
rites and rituals for themselves and others and were obliged to observe the
sacraments. The traditional occupation of Brahmins is that of priesthood
(purohit, pandit, or pujari) at Hindu temples or at socio-religious ceremonies,
and the performing of rite of passage rituals, such as solemnizing a wedding
with hymns and prayers.
2. Kshatriyas
People who were the warrior or nobility class, who are commanded (by tradition)
to protect the people. Kshatriyas are one of the four main social classes in the
traditional Hindu caste system, specifically the warrior and ruler class. They were
responsible for protecting and governing society, often taking on roles as kings,
soldiers, and administrators. The role of Kshatriyas is significant in understanding
the continuity and change within the social and political structures in a
globalized world, as they exemplify how caste systems have evolved and
impacted governance and warfare across different cultures
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3. Vaisyas:
People who were in the merchant and peasant classes, who were expected to
tend cattle, offer sacrifices, study the Vedas, trade or lend money and cultivate
the land. The Vaisya community is one of the four main castes in Hinduism,
which originated from the ancient Indian subcontinent. They are believed to
have descended from the legendary king Vaisravana, who was known for his
wealth and prosperity. Over time, they became prominent traders, merchants,
and bankers, playing an important role in the economic development of India.
4. Sudras
People who were in the labor class, whose only duty is to serve the other three
castes. The Sudras are the lowest rank of the Caste System. They are normally
artisans and laborers. A large portion of this caste is a product of the mating of
an upper caste and an Untouchable or a Sudra. Ancient texts support the claim
that Sudras exist to serve the other three castes.
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Pros and Cons of the
Caste System in India
Pros
• shared history, shared struggle, shared jobs, etc.
• Know how they act among each other.
• Everyone knew his or her role.
• Gave members a sense of belonging.
• Prevention of rebellions against the upper class.
Cons
• The untouchables are treated less than human.
• Crimes: Rape, Murder, House burning, Assault.
• Police don't report on crimes.
• Stuck in extreme poverty - no education.
• Did not allow people to change their caste, even if they were capable
or talented.
• Family debt is built up generation after generation and is impossible
to pay off, leaving the untouchables stuck where they are.
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