Varna: The Caste System in Verdic India

In modern day India they have a caste system; it had been like that for a long time. A few things have evolved and differ now than they did in Vedic India. In India they now have the untouchables and things aren’t has strict has they were back then.

In Vedic India they had a system called the Varna. Varna has two different meanings. The word means “color” and “veil”. In this case color means the energies of human nature and veil represents the different ways the divine self was hidden in humans. Varna consisted of 4 different classes and the classes were believed to represent different parts of the body.

The Brahmins originated from the mouth and they were the priests. They were highly respected and kind of lead everyone in the direction they believed the gods wanted them to go. They were at the top of the social hierarchy and were advisors to the royal courts. They were highly respected until after the Vedic Age, then they were exploited and misguided. The next class was the Kshatriyas; the warriors. They were ranked second in Varna and were believed to come from the arms. The Kshatriyas were courageous and intelligent, making then the protectors of the society. The 3rd class was the merchants known as the Vaishyas. They originated from the thighs and contributed to the economic growth of India. The Vaishyas were liked by the Brahmins because of their role in making temples and other structures in the society. The lowest social class in the caste system is known today as the untouchables. Back in the Vedic Age they were known as the Sudras. They originated from the feet and were social outcasts. They did menial jobs in the society.

All of the classes were mainly based on occupation. In a way it is kind of like our system, but ours is not as harsh. Everyone has a chance in our society to change the social class they are in. Like the caste system in the Vedic Age; our system needs everyone’s contributions to have a successful society.

Some of the information in my blog came from http://www.hindunet.org/varna/ and http://www.indianetzone.com/21/varna_system_ancient_india.htm.