Changes

Lacking from this modern legal definition is the caste system set forth in the Code of Manu, whereby the accumulation of a person's good deeds (or evil acts) in his prior lives (his "karma") determine whether he is born into a family at a higher or lower caste level, or even lower as an animal or plant.  Upon full compliance with the Hindu moral code, the person is released from the "wheel of life" and attains unity with Brahma (universal all).  This belief is known as "Moksha".  Obviously the caste system is politically incorrect today, with many Hindus believing in it privately but reluctant to speak about it publicly.

Lacking from this modern legal definition is the caste system set forth in the Code of Manu, whereby the accumulation of a person's good deeds (or evil acts) in his prior lives (his "karma") determine whether he is born into a family at a higher or lower caste level, or even lower as an animal or plant.  Upon full compliance with the Hindu moral code, the person is released from the "wheel of life" and attains unity with Brahma (universal all).  This belief is known as "Moksha".  Obviously the caste system is politically incorrect today, with many Hindus believing in it privately but reluctant to speak about it publicly.

The highest caste is the "Brahmans" (priests and scholars).  This term has been incorporated in a non-religious sense into English (spelled as "Brahmins") to mean wealthy, aloof New England families, like the 2004 Democratic Presidential candidate John Kerry's family.  The traditional goal of Hindus is to reach Brahma, or spiritual perfection, by observing dharma (DER-muh) (moral or religious duties of your caste).  Below the Brahmans in the Hindu case system are the Kshatriya (rulers), the Vaishya (peasants), and then the serfs (Shudra).  Below the lowest caste level are the "untouchables" or Harijans, who are slaves and outcasts.  As noted above, few talk publicly about the caste system any more because it is so politically incorrect.

The highest caste is the "Brahmans" (priests and scholars).  This term has been incorporated in a non-religious sense into English (spelled as "Brahmins") to mean wealthy, aloof New England families, like the 2004 Democratic Presidential candidate John Kerry's family.  The traditional goal of Hindus is to reach Brahma, or spiritual perfection, by observing dharma (DER-muh) (moral or religious duties of your caste).  Below the Brahmans in the Hindu case system are the Kshatriya (rulers), the Vaishya (peasants), and then the serfs (Shudra).  Below the lowest caste level are the "untouchables" or [[Harijans]], who are slaves and outcasts.  As noted above, few talk publicly about the caste system any more because it is so politically incorrect.

In Hindu society, a woman was generally treated like a dependent to be taken care of and supervised by her father, husband or brother.  Government was by a local prince or "raja", also spelled as "rajah".  The English word "raj" means reign.

In Hindu society, a woman was generally treated like a dependent to be taken care of and supervised by her father, husband or brother.  Government was by a local prince or "raja", also spelled as "rajah".  The English word "raj" means reign.