The Hindu caste system compared to the social systems of medieval Europe and the civilizations of Mesoamerica and the Andes has many important similarities and differences. While all social class structures provided guidance and structure to society, they were also very rigid. All three of these systems imposed a small amount of social mobility within the caste structure. . The Hindu caste system was based on a rigid system of governance and Hinduism, medieval Europe was centered on the church and property, and the civilizations of Mesoamerica and the Andes were unified on the use of religion and service classes superiors. The Hindu caste system characterized individuals based on occupation born and skin color (Varna). The caste system was also centered around Hinduism and the belief in reincarnation. Hindus believe that they are reborn into a different person after death. This reincarnation depends on the good and bad deeds that the individual has performed during his current life. Reincarnation ends when the person reaches perfection and heaven, known as Nirvana. The caste system directly reflected the Hindu religion. If a person born into an upper class were to perform negative actions, their next life would reflect those actions. The highest class in the caste system was the Brahmins, or priests. These priests and religious teachers were the most powerful citizens because they governed religion. The next class system is that of rulers and soldiers called Kshatriyas. After the Kshatriyas, were the Vaishays (traders and traders). Finally, the caste system contained the Shudras (workers and labourers). Outside the caste system there was a group called the Untouchables (Achuta). Untouchables were marginalized in society and were n...... middle of paper ...... and the Andean social class structure depended on close family/government ties, religious leaders, and physical service. While categorizing individuals by race, class, or occupation seems wrong, they actually provide structure and organization to any society. The cultures of Hindu India, medieval Europe, and Mesoamerica used social class for these exact reasons. Hindu India used race and occupation to divide their people into 4 main Varnas. Medieval Europe relied on the church and estates to provide a flexible but strong social pyramid. Finally, Mesoamerica and the Andean regions used religion, family ties, and poor workforces to emphasize the importance of their social structure. No matter what the civilization or culture, people have naturally or forcibly divided themselves into organized social structures and will continue to do so for future civilizations.