Thsi handout for students summarizes the main points about the Sikhs' attitudes towards the caste system.

Image of a Rajpoot. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Soonree. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Doby. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Seuly. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of Aboyty. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Dandy. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Chassa-Doba. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Doam. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Jooghee. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Hulwye. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a B'haut. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Tauntee. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Koalhoo. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Chunhaury. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Gwalla. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Chooter. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Tamooly. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Sonaur-Bannya. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Kapauly. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Gund-Bunnya. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Myra. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Bowry. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Jellee-A Bearer. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Doolee-A Bearer. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Rowanny Bearer. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of an Ooria Bearer. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Tilly. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Kumaur. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Cansaury. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Sunkaury. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of an Auheer. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Chassa-Kybert. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Mauly. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Nauy. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Coomhar. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Beraye. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of Augrees. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Dybuck. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Causto. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Byde. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Sudgope. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Sic (Sikh). Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Soodder. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Byce. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a K'huttry. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of an Ooria, Brahmun. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Brijbasi, Brahmun. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Drawer, Brahmun. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Kanoge, Brahmun. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

Image of a Srotery, Brahmun. Taken from a collection of two hundred and fifty coloured etchings descriptive of the manners, customs, character, dress, and religious ceremonies of the Hindoos by Balthazar Solvyns. The original copy of this image can be found at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Lampeter.

A study of the Ravidasi community is an important feature for students looking at the issue of caste within Sikhism. This presentation examines the teachings of the Sikh Gurus towards caste. It looks at the contradictions between religious teachings with actual praxis. A substantial proportion of the Ravidasi community claim that they have been discriminated against by higher caste Sikhs because of the stigma of untouchability associated with the traditional caste (zat) occupation of the chamars.

This is material used within a second year module on Sikhism. it provides information on how caste is operative within Sikhism and has created distinct groups such as the Ravidasis and Valmikis. This material could also be used by historians and sociologists.