The origins and functions of the Hindu Caste System

Beginning around 1900 BCE large numbers of Indo-European migrants known as Aryans, moved into India from central Asia. Merging with the local Dravidian culture they developed a distinctive Indian society, characterized by a complex social class system called the caste system. Analyze and discuss the Hindu caste system by addressing its origins, and how it is linked to the religious belief system, identifying the major Indian castes and subcastes that make up the Indian social pyramid and explaining its purpose. Your essay should include a discussion in which you evaluate the caste system, and argue if it is a stabilizing or destabilizing factor in Indian society (or both). All discussion must be supported. Read the following linked http://college.cengage.com/history/primary_sources/world/laws_of_manu.htm , and use this source to support your discussion. Use APA to format the essay.