Caste system in India

The caste system in India is an important part of ancient Hindu tradition. The word caste
comes from 'Casta' a portugese word which means race/breed. India's caste system is among
the world's oldest forms of surviving social stratification. The system which
divides Hindus into rigid hierarchical groups based on their karma (work) and dharma (duty)
dates back to 1200 BCE. The caste system divides Hindus into four main categories -
Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and the Shudras. 

Brahmins:
The word Brahmin translates to “Supreme Self” or the first of the gods. Brahmin is the
highest Varna in Vedic Hinduism. The Brahmins held the most power in Hindu society, they
were priests, otherwise known as the spiritual and intellectual leaders of the society. They
devoted their time to studying, teaching, performing sacrifices, and officiating religious
services. Most Brahmins are located in the Northern states of India which includes Uttar
Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh, and small concentrations in the southern states which includes
Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. 

Kshatriyas:
 Kshatriya is the second Varna within the social hierarchy who are the rulers and warriors of
the society. The Kshatriya constituted the ruling and military elite, the warriors. Their
purpose in the society was to fight as warriors during war and govern in time of peace. The
lineage of a Kshatriya king was kept pure to ensure continuity on the throne and claim
sovereignty over territories. 

Vaishyas

The third in the social hierarchy are the Vaishyas who are the farmers, merchants, and traders
who really contribute to the economy of India. Cattle rearing was one of the most esteemed
occupations of the Vaishyas, as the possession and quality of a kingdom’s cows, elephants,
horses, and their upkeep affected the quality of life and the associated prosperity of the
citizens. 

 shudras 

The fourth and last of the Varnas are known as the Sudras who are laborers that supply the
manual labor needed for the economic well-being of India. The shudras are the only section
of society allowed to accept another’s employment; other varnas are occupationally and
financially self-sufficient. They were mainly Artisans and Workers. A Shudra man was only
allowed to marry a Shudra woman, but a Shudra woman was allowed to marry from any of
the four Varnas.