CASTE SYSTEM: VARNA

 

CASTE SYSTEM: VARNA 

Varna : The concept of Varna involves a scheme with only four divisions. Thus what would now be called Hindu society is conceived of as being Divisible into four very large units These are: Brāhmana, Katriya, Vaisya and Sudra. They are commonly understood as a ranked order of precedence. Then there is another caste called the ‘fifth’ one (called Pañcama), the so-called ‘untouchable’ (the hill and forest population who are called tribal’s, inclusive). This group occupies a place below, outside this Varna scheme.

Wikipedia 

The Brāhmanas are commonly identified with those who fulfill the calling of priests. The Katriyas ( the ‘protectors’) are usually rulers and warriors. The Vaisyas are those who have commercial livelihood, and wealth-creators as well. The Sudras are labours and artisans. People belonging to the ‘fifth’ group perform ‘unclean’ services

such as killing animals for food, etc.

The earliest beginnings:

The Rgveda (X.90) (@ 5000 B.C.) contains the first symbolic reference to the emergence of the four castes, Brāhmanas, (Ksatriyas), Vaisyas and Sudras, from the mouth, shoulders, thighs and feet respectively.

Heredity or birth : As a matter of fact, the Hindu castes are not related to heredity or birth. Manu the Law Giver explains the principle of caste as a universal law of life. The key principle of ‘caste Hindu’ thought is understood as the code of duty. He also laid down the 

Ašrama Dharmas -- duties of celibates (brahmacārins), householders (gruhasthas), forest-

recluses (vānaprasthas) and ascetics (sanyāsins).