The Indian Varna system (caste system), which is often painted negatively and presented likewise even in school textbooks, is perhaps one of the most misinterpreted social hierarchies of the world. It is popularly accepted that the Indian caste system is at least 3000 years old, though an analysis of the Vedic literatures suggests that it is perhaps as old as Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) itself. This article attempts to exhibit the system of Varna (class) and Ashrama (order) as it had been originally conceived and how it has gradually degenerated with time. The article also seeks to establish how the caste system is an integral part of any successful society and an indispensable tool to ensure its survival.
It is said that the division of the Indian society on the basis of castes, this caste system, finds its origin in the ancient Indian varnashrama system. Varnashrama is a system of classifying the society on the basis of ‘varnas’ and ‘ashramas’. Now what are varnas ? ‘Varna’ basically translated to class. Now there are four varnas that has been broadly identified.
The four Varnas are –
- brahmanas – the priestly class.
- Kshatriyas – those who are rulers and administrators
- Vaishyas – the mercantile class
- Shudras – the labourers or he working class.
While Ashramas is the division of society on the basis of the four orders of life –
- Brahmacharya , or the celibates
- Grihasta, or the householder
- Vanaprastha – one who is retired
- Sannyasi – one who is renounced
