The

Caste System in
Ancient India:
Then & Now
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Name:
The Caste System: Then and Now
Then Now
1500 B.C.E. – 1950 C.E. 1950 – Present
1. Caste-based discrimination becomes
illegal. Although in practice, discrimination
of the lowest caste is still widespread.

2. People of the lowest caste are called

Dalits, which means “broken to pieces” or
“crushed.”

3. Public school is open to Dalits, but some

face discrimination in the classroom.

4. Affirmative action exists today in India.

This is an active effort to improve the
education and employment of members
of minority groups. Affirmative action is
an effort to make sure that Dalits are not
shut out of jobs or universities.
5. K.R. Narayanan was born a Dalit but was
president of India between 1997 and
2002.

What do you think happened in 1950 that caused a change in the treatment of the
lowest caste?

Brainstorm:

Class Notes:

©Becky’s Social Studies Center

Name:
ANSWER KEY
Then
1500 B.C.E. – 1950 C.E.
1. Caste-based discrimination was
widespread and legal.
2. The lowest caste was comprised of
members known as Untouchables.
3. All types of schools were closed to
Untouchables.
4. Untouchables were not allowed to enter
universities or attain jobs that were
unrelated to human and animal bodies.
Now
1950 – Present
Caste-based discrimination becomes
illegal. Although in practice, discrimination
of the lowest caste is still widespread.
People of the lowest caste are called
Dalits, which means “broken to pieces” or
“crushed.”
Public school is open to Dalits, but some
face discrimination in the classroom.
Affirmative action exists today in India.
This is an active effort to improve the
education and employment of members
of minority groups. Affirmative action is
an effort to make sure that Dalits are not
shut out of jobs or universities.

5. Only Kshatriyas could secure positions K.R. Narayanan was born a Dalit but was
in the government, not Untouchables. president of India between 1997 and
2002.

What do you think happened in 1950 that caused a change in the treatment of the
lowest caste?

Brainstorm:

Student answers may vary.

Class Notes:

In 1950, the Constitution of India was signed and adopted. It outlawed caste-based
discrimination.

©Becky’s Social Studies Center