The Four Primary Castes of Hinduism
Hinduism is an ancient and captivating religion with an intricate system of four primary castes – or varnas – that are broadly segregated into the four classes of Brahmin, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. Despite the fact that Hinduism is considered among the oldest living religions, these castes still remain influential in India today, impacting politics and society in many areas of life.
The concept of caste first originated in the Manu Smriti, a Vedic scripture that initially outlined paternal lineage as binding in organizing the Hindu social hierarchy. Class divisions initially determined the areas of occupation and responsibilities, and the Brahmin caste was the highest priestly class, the Kshatriyas were the rulers, the Vaishyas the agriculturists, and the Shudras were the laborers.
A person’s caste is generally determined by their parent’s caste and is thought to be unchangeable. This system of hereditary strata is known as the varnashrama dharma, and is designed to assist Hindus in recognizing their relationship with one another.
The Brahmin Caste
The Brahmin caste sits at the top of the four primary varnas, and is comprised of scholars, priests, and teachers. Before India was colonized by the British, the vast majority of the intellectual and learned elements of India were from the Brahmin caste.
These members resided in privileged positions that offered them access to education and specific opportunities unavailable to lower castes. While the majority of the Brahmin castes today are committed to an academic or religious lifestyle, some are now in positions of high political power.
Though often perceived to be well-off, having a high educational or societal status, not all Brahmin have been able to reach the same level of prestige or independence. Those living in rural, impoverished locations have been unable to access the same opportunities of their urban counterparts.
The Kshatriya Caste
The Kshatriyas were considered to be the second highest of the four castes, and are said to have come from first human couple, Manu and Shatarupa. This caste is roughly divided into two sects – the Rajanya, who were warriors and kings, and the Vesya, who were traders who pursued pastoral activities.
In ancient times, the Rajanya were held in high regard, but many were lost to battle, poverty, and disease, leaving many members of the caste with only pastoral activities to survive on. Although the Rajanya and Vesya are distinct sects, they now share a very similar status and are both classed as Kshatriyas.
The occupation of Kshatriyas also shifted to farming and other manual labor in light of the land reforms that led to increased levels of poverty in the region. However, while they may no longer be rulers, Kshatriya are still acknowledged for their strength, bravery, and social standing in India today.
The Vaishya Caste
The third class of caste, the Vaisyas, are said to come from the pregnant Shatarupa, who was the second wife of Manu and the mother of the Kshatriyas. This class is traditionally made up of merchants, landowners and farmers, who, much like the Kshatriyas, have had to contend with shifts in their occupations due to land reforms.
Vaishya have also traditionally been at the receiving end of social discriminations and are now generally forced to pursue vocations in trading and commerce with very little access to education and other resources.
Although their social standing has not been as elevated as Kshatriyas, Vaishyas are still expected to honor the principles of Hinduism and contribute to social services, often in terms of philanthropy, that are necessary for societal health.
The Shudra Caste
The fourth caste, the Shudra, is traditionally made up of manual laborers, artisans, manual farmers, servants, and laborers. Although the people of this caste were initially assigned learned occupations according to the Manu Smriti, most are employed in agriculture, construction, and other manual labor jobs today.
They have also been subjected to challenges due to poverty, land reforms, and unequal social policies, with the majority of the population living in near conditions of utter destitution and without access to basic amenities.
However, many members of the Shudra caste are still contributing significantly to economics and other aspects of contemporary Indian culture, such as cinema, music, and dance.
Are the Varnas Still Relevant Today?
Caste distinctions still remain between many communities in India in modern times, and there is some debate as to how relevant the four Varnas are today. While attitudes towards caste systems vary among those that belong to it, the majority of the four classes still adhere to this system, and it continues to influence political decision-making, socializing, and professional decisions.
Some social reform initiatives and organizations are actively working to remove the divisions among the castes and to create a more egalitarian society. Despite increased awareness, many inequality issues still remain, and a fair and entirely equitable system is still far from being realized in India.
The Influence Of The Varnas Beyond India
The Varnas have had an influential impact beyond India’s borders and have infiltrated Hindu communities around the world in the form of caste-like divisions. In Hindu communities in the Caribbean, Nepal, and the United Kingdom, hereditary tiering’s are strong among the people, and blatant caste-based discrimination is commonplace.
Some commentators have argued that the integration of the Varnas into Western societies has caused a stronger caste system comprised of complex dynamics with very real and tangible results. Others note that the Hindu diaspora has sprung from a very small group of immigrants, therefore an interpretation of caste boundaries and expectations has been shifted, adapted and otherwise changed to reflect their circumstances and the dominant social norms of their host countries.
The Impact Of Inter-Caste Marriage on Hinduism
Despite intentions to create a more egalitarian country, many challenges remain for Indians striving to marry outside of their caste. Although inter-caste marriage is more common today, putative taboos and social pressures often still cause problems for couples from different castes. Further, if a Brahmin marries within the lower castes, they are willing to forfeit their privileged status.
Conservative Hindu groups have long seen inter-caste marriage as a violation of religious traditions, even though it is allowed in the Hindu scriptures. Over time, some religious communities have come to accept inter-caste marriage as a way to encourage social harmony, and as an indication that love and romance can exist without barriers or boundaries.
Hinduism And Cross-Cultural Dialogue
The rise of globalization has seen India’s hierarchical caste system come into the international spotlight. In response to the discrimination and prejudice caused by this system, many international agencies, such as the United Nations, are focusing on equality campaigns across the world. Likewise, modern Hindu thought has embraced the notion of inclusion, and this has become an important focus for Hindu leaders around the globe.
Today, individuals of the Varna classes are reaching out to each other and learning to collaborate in an effort to create social cohesion and cross-cultural dialogue. It is hoped that these efforts will over time create greater understanding and acceptance to the extent that caste will no longer be a consideration when it comes to marriage and other social interactions.
The Emerging Role For Hinduism In The 21st Century
The four castes of Hinduism have had a significant influence on Indian society for thousands of years. Now, as India experiences the emergence of the digital age and progresses towards a more diverse and globalized world, Hinduism is beginning to play an increasingly important role not just within India, but abroad.
In light of the fact that Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world, more people are aware of its teachings and its core principles of brotherhood and equality. This increased awareness has meant that people have been willing to question caste distinctions, with many actively calling for social reform and equality within the Hindu community.
It is hoped that continued discussion and engagement will promote change, and that the roles of Hinduism’s four castes will evolve in the 21st century. As this happens, it is expected that the future of Hinduism will shift towards one of elevating each caste and recognizing the unique value and contribution that each has to offer.
