shudra | शूद्र

Shudra (Devanagari: शूद्र; ISO 15919: śūdra) refers to the laboring or service class.

The Fourth Varna In the Vedic social hierarchy, society is divided into four classes based on the actions (Karma). The Shudra class consists of individuals who may not possess the specific aptitude for priesthood, administration, or commerce.

Social Role Instead of specialized technical skills, their primary duty is to support the other three classes (Brahmana, Kshatriya, and Vaishya). By providing essential labor and service, they act as the foundation that allows the other sections of society to fulfill their respective duties.

Further Reading and Reference

• Alternate Spelling: shoodra
• Related Concepts:
  • varna
  • Vedic caste system
• Reference: Prema Rasa Siddhanta - Philosophy of Divine Love, Ch. 8