CASTE SYSTEM: THE VEDIC PERIOD

 

CASTE SYSTEM: THE VEDIC PERIOD

The origin of the caste system dates back to the age of the Rig-Veda. There is a reference to the word varma (Colour) in the Rig - Veeda. Arya is referred to as fair and Dasa as dark - However there is no reference

to Brahmance of kshantriya People of the two varous (fair and dark complexioned) . differed not only in their skin colour but also in their worship and spech.

Thus, the differences were both racial and cultural. Brahmanas, Rajanyas (Kshatriyas) and vaiskyas constituted the Arya Varma the non - aryans made up the Dasa Varma.

The purusha - Sukta, a part of the Rig - Veda, States that the Brahmanas, Rajanyas, Vaishyas and Shudras sprang from the mouth, arms, things and feet of the purusa (Goel). Later on, these because castes.

However, there is no reference to the classes becoming hereditary. Classes were merely functional. The priest and the warrior occupied positions above the vaishya and the shudra, but they were neither, hereditary positions nor exclusive ones. There was interchange of duties and also inter class marriage. The ban on eating food cooked by shudras did not exist. There was no trance of untouchability.