Caste System Basics
During the Vedic Age, Indian society was divided into 4 Castes, or Varnas. This division in society was not unique to India but the way theirs was set-up set them apart from other countries.
- The Brahmins were highest in the Caste and were made up of supreme intellectuals, priests, scholars, and spiritual leaders.
- Next in line were the Kshatriyas. Kshatriyas were noble warriors, rulers and statesmen consisting mainly of those with strong social power and wealth.
- Below the Kshatriyas were the Vaisyas. Vaisyas were believed to be direct descendants of the original Indo-Aryans. This group of the Caste was made up of "commoners", businessmen, managers, merchants.
- The bottom of the Caste were the Sudras. This group consisted of workers & servants (followers), and were treated like children in the manner that they could do no wrong.
- Lastly were the Dalits. Dalits or Panchamas were known as 'Untouchables' our outcasts because they were outside the social realm.