Caste System in India – Confused and Misunderstood

Varna is a Sanskrit word which remains as an unraveled mystery related to the Indian history. Varna term refers to the social classes. As per Hinduism, All Hindus should follow individual duties according to one’s capacity. It’s as per the qualities one possesses’. Over a period of time, people started to misunderstand and made it birth based instead of profession based. Many rulers and foreigners used this concept to divide communities in India.

Basically Four Varnas are common Professions existed during the ancient times: 

1. Teachers, scholars, physicians, judges, and priests (Brahmins)

2. Kings, soldiers, administrators, city planners (Kshatriyas)

3. Businessmen, traders, bankers, agricultural, and farmers (Vaishyas)

4. Laborers, artisans, blacksmiths, (including wealthy landowners) (Sudras)

Every human who is born must work. There should be a proper division of labor so that people work based on their possessed skills such as:

1. Brahmins – Sole responsibilities were to provide education to the society. This will help the society to develop all the ideal qualities required for an ideal living such as honesty, knowledge and wisdom.

2. Kshatriya – Generally these refer to peoples who were strong and who could fight back if someone invades the society.  So Kshatriyas were the protector. They are very brave and protect their citizens from any harm especially to women, elders or kids. Brahmins will guide them in any concerns relating to the welfare of the society.

3. Vaishyas – Only providing education and protecting a society cannot make a country prosperous. The society also needs people who can do business and cultivate food for its countrymen so that they create wealth and prosperity in the society. Thus, these groups of people were usually the farmers and business man.

4. Sudras – These categories of people who rendered services for others.

According to our epic Mahabharat, Yudhisthira, who always supported Dharma, defines Brahmin as one who is truthful, forgiving, and kind. He clearly points out that a Brahmin is not a brahmin just because he is born in a brahmin family, nor is a sudra a sudra because his parents are sudras. It is one’s education, qualities and upbringing that make him different.  If someone acquires knowledge, he acquires the status of Brahmin; similarly if one acquires fighting skill is a Kshatriya.

In close context to our epic Vedas and  holy books, Varna was designated as per one’s proficiency, quality rather than just birth alone. Every society has certain morals to follow so that there is a peaceful environment to live in. Nobody is superior or inferior. Everybody should work hard to bring prosperity. All mankind carries special responsibilities and are interdependent on others. 

Such as without farmers, there won’t be food to eat and Brahmin and Kshatriyas will be of less use. A boy/girl born of a Brahmin but drinks liquor, misunderstand culture, doesn’t understanding the real meaning of education can be called a Shudra. A boy/girl born of a  Shudra but he/she is intelligent, knowledgeable is automatically called a brahmin. If people don’t acquire knowledge and skills, they tend to serve others and are called Shudras. Thus it might act as a motivation factor to rise above this level or you serve others to earn a living. 

Examples – Caste is not by birth

Pandavas and Kauravas were the descendants of Vyasa(Brahmin) and Satyavati(Fisher woman), were well known as Kshatriyas on the basis of their occupation. Vidura, wisest and intellectual man in Mahabharat was respected for proficiency in every sphere of knowledge. He was born of sage Vyasa and Sudri (woman servant at palace). Valmiki was shudra by birth but became a sage and author of Ramayana. Janaka a known for his wisdom attained the rank of Brahmin instead of Kshratriya by birth. King Ashok, was the son of maid servant, is known as Indian emperor of the Indian Sub-continent. Kalidasa was a Brahmin by birth but originally an unintelligent person and after challenged by his wife, he left the house in the search of education and learning and ultimately known as the greatest poet.

Comparing with other countries

Many countries have their own the social division.

Please refer the below chart related to Spain:

Japanese Caste System:

 Britain Caste System

US Caste System

Divide and Rule:

In Ancient India, though the classes were defined but system was not rigid. A person born in any caste can choose to be part of the other class by acquiring new skills or getting educated.

Over a period of time, far away countries wanted to trade with India because of its prosperity and its growth. Soon it became the backbone of international trade.  Major plunder started when British, French and Portuguese reached India for trade agreements. In the process, European powers saw gold and silver richness in India. Slowly British people took control of the country by breaking down the backbone of the nation that is replacing the ancient education of divide and rule based on caste. It was a new concept for them and they used it as a tool to bring low self-esteem among people so that people fight against themselves and these foreigners can rule as dominated nation. During the end of British rule, India was unable to feed its countrymen; literacy rate was at its lowest, no income, and no industries.

After 70 years of Independence, the educated youths are moving away from approaches related to caste. Due to rapid industrialization and economic growth there is not much differences among people related to caste in the urban areas. Inter caste and inter religion do exist in India though we are at a stage where we can’t say that the caste system is disappeared completely.  Our Government introduced reservations in colleges and jobs to give a chance to the weaker section to develop them. Youths are aware of social status prevailing in India. These days youths are educated and are open minded. Youths are challenging the thoughts with the older generations and are working hard to bring the best talent in the society.  New generations are evolving out from the social stigma.  Many youths believe that one will become rich based on his profession and not by his caste system. These generations provide a sense of dignity and respect to those who are educated, knowledgeable without any reference to caste.