Varna-Vedic Caste System
During Satyug, human beings were spiritual, humble, co-operative and satisfied with life. But in the Tretayug, these qualities gradually started diminishing.
In order to have the society continue to function in a coordinated manner with everyone owning the accountability for their work, the Vedas recommend that human beings be classified into four categories, based on
- the work they are skilled in and
- hence expected to perform.
The individuals were classified in four castes called varnas (Devanagari: वर्ण ISO15919: varṇa). These castes are
The four castes
After the srishti-creation, the first humans in these varnas emerged from various parts of God's divine body.
Each of these classes have to abide by specified duties. This classification in these 4 categories based on their skills and the performance of duties is called Varnashram Dharm. Mahabharat says the purpose of this classification was to enable running the human society smoothly.
Brief description of the emergence of these varna and their duties is given below
ब्रह्मणोऽस्य मुखमासीत्, बाहु राजन्यः कृतः ।
ऊरू तदस्य यद्वैश्यः, पदभ्यां शूद्रोऽजायत ॥
ऋग्वेद पुरुष सूक्त १०.९०.११–१3
brahmaṇo'sya mukhamāsīt, bāhu rājanyaḥ kr̥taḥ ।
ūrū tadasya yadvaiśyaḥ, padabhyāṁ śūdro'jāyata ॥
r̥gveda puruṣa sūkta 10.90.11–13
Brahmin
Brahmin (Devanagari: ब्राह्मण ISO15919: brāhmaṇa) are intellectuals. The duties of the Brahmins are performing yagya for themselves and others, study of the Vedas and teaching it to others. They also receive donations and they make donations too.
ब्रह्मणोऽस्य मुखमासीत्
brahmaṇo'sya mukhamāsīt
After creation, "they emerged from God's mouth". e.g. of these are Sapt rishi.
Kshatriya
Kshatriya (Devanagari: क्षत्रिय ISO15919: kṣatriya) are individuals with special administrative and warrior skills. The prime duty of Kshatriyas was to learn and teach the art of weapons in order to protect country.
बाहु राजन्यः कृतः
bāhu rājanyaḥ kr̥taḥ
After creation, they emerged from God's arms. e.g. of this Sarvbhaum Manu the first human.
Vaishya
Vaishya (Devanagari: वैश्य ISO15919: vaiśya) are individuals with expertise in farming and trading. They contribute by carrying out agriculture, trade and poultry etc.
ऊरू तदस्य यद्वैश्यः
ūrū tadasya yadvaiśyaḥ
After creation they emerged from God's thighs.
Shoodra
Shoodra (Devanagari: शूद्र ISO15919: śūdra) are rest of the individuals who did not have a unique expertise. They were deputed to help the brahmin, kshatriya and vaishya.
पदभ्यां शूद्रोऽजायत
padabhyāṁ śūdro'jāyata
After creation they emerged from God's feet.