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Varna: The Hindu Caste System
Since the 600s BCE, people in India have been divided into groups. The organization of the varna (caste)
system is explained in the holy book called the Rig Veda. The part about the varna system is called the Laws
of Manu. It outlines the jobs, goals and duties for each varna, so that all Hindu people would understand the
dharma (duties) in their life. The better you perform the duties of your caste, the better chance you had to be
born into a higher caste in your next life.
1) The mouth is the Brahmin. This was the highest group,
considered closest to moksha (liberation). The Brahmin served
as priests, religious teachers, holy people, and sometimes
kings within their own communities. This caste was made up
of very wealthy individuals who were well-educated and
wanted to pursue knowledge and education. Their duties
included performing rituals of worship, pursing academic
studies (arts, sciences, ethics, philosophy, religion). They were
required to develop their intellect and discipline. The Brahmin
were treated with great respect. Members of the Brahmin
caste were permitted to speak to members of the lower castes,
but would never talk to Dalits.
2) The arms of the body are the Kshatriyas. This was the
second highest caste. The Kshatriyas were rich landowners,
soldiers, and political leaders of the community. They
developed skills in government and diplomacy, or trained in
bravery for the military. Their duties included working in
government, maintaining law and order, and protecting during
war. The Kshatriyas were allowed to speak to members of the
other castes; however, they did not speak to the Brahmins
unless spoken to first.
3) The thighs are the Vaisyas. The middle group of Hindu people included farmers who owned their property,
business people, and skilled workers. They developed skills in management and commerce. They often
traded with other communities or societies. The Vaisyas were allowed to speak with members of the lower
caste, but were not allowed to speak with members of the top two castes unless spoken to first.
4) The feet are the Shudras, representing the lowest caste. The group consisted of people who were
servants or labourers. They provided manual skills and provided service to other castes. The Shudras were
not allowed to speak to members of the top three castes unless spoken to first.
There was a fifth group outside the traditional four castes that was born due to prejudice in society. The people
of this group were called the Dalits (Untouchables) because they worked in jobs that were considered
“unclean”, such as working with leather, or removing dead animals and garbage (waste management), or
begging. Dalits lived separated from those of other castes and were not allowed opportunities to improve their
lives. Mahatma Gandhi, India’s most influential spiritual and social leader, fought to improve the lives of Dalits.
Presently, India’s Charter of Rights forbids the ancient caste system. Many Hindus believe that the varna
system is unjust. The Indian government has introduced a number of social welfare programs and economic
programs to improve the living conditions of those who suffer as Dalits. Still, attitudes that are based in the
varna system still exist, especially in India’s villages.