In Hinduism, while on the one hand there are general moral codes and duties to be followed by everyone in the population, there are more specific duties which are meant for certain specific people as per their own nature (Swa-dharma). These were broadly divided into four categories or Varnas. To use the word “caste” interchangeably with Varna is contextually wrong, since caste was derived from the Portuguese word ‘casta’ which means breed or race. Broadly speaking Brahmins were teachers, Kshatriyas were warriors, Vaishyas were the merchants and Shudras the service providers.
In Bhagavad Gita, 4.13, we see –
cātur-varṇyaṁ mayā sṛṣṭaṁ
guṇa-karma-vibhāgaśaḥ
tasya kartāram api māṁ
viddhy akartāram avyayam
According to the three modes of material nature and the work associated with them, the four divisions of human society are created by Me. And although I am the creator of this system, you should know that I am yet the non-doer, being unchangeable.
As per a sloka in the Rig Veda, the four Varnas were compared to the four limbs of the society, with Brahmas being the mouth (providing wisdom and guidance), Kshatriyas were the arms (providing strength and protection), Vaishyas were the thighs (commercial and business / support to the body) and Shudras were the feet (productivity and sustenance). Each one of these limbs are important and no part is more important than the other.
There is a verse in Bhagavad Gita (3.35) –
śreyān sva-dharmo viguṇaḥ
para-dharmāt sv-anuṣṭhitāt
sva-dharme nidhanaṁ śreyaḥ
para-dharmo bhayāvahaḥ
It is far better to discharge one’s prescribed duties, even though faultily, than another’s duties perfectly. Destruction in the course of performing one’s own duty is better than engaging in another’s duties, for to follow another’s path is dangerous.
Let us look at how these Varnas were classified traditionally, in more detail.
- Brahmans – They provide education and spiritual guidance (or leadership) to the whole society. Traditionally they studied and taught Vedas, performed religious ceremonies and accepted alms. They never accepted paid employment as their basic needs were fulfilled and they could devote themselves to spiritual matters.
- Kshatriyas – These were the Kings, warriors and protectors of society. They displayed strength and character and were also given more privileges. Their special focus was to protect women, children, cows and brahmans. They were expected to take spiritual guidance from the Brahmans and rule the kingdom according to Dharma. They could levy taxes but never accept charity.
Shivaji Maharaj - Vaishyas – These were the productive class responsible for creating wealth and prosperity in the society. They protected animals (esp cows) and land. They paid taxes to the Kshatriyas and were expected to trade ethically as per moral codes.
- Shudras – Traditionally, these were the only section of society who were employed by someone else, whereas other Varnas were occupationally and financially self-reliant. They were loyal and took pride in their work.
Thus we see how this classification is based on Karma (profession) and Guna (individual qualities and character) and not just by Jati (by birth).