Beginning in ancient India, the caste system was originally centered around varna, with Brahmins (priests) and, to a lesser extent, Kshatriyas (rulers and warriors) serving as the elite classes, followed …

2 days ago · India - Caste System, Social Hierarchy, Diversity: In South Asia the caste system has been a dominating aspect of social organization for thousands of years. A caste, generally designated by …

Apr 1, 2025 · The caste system creates a layered social hierarchy based on concepts of purity and pollution. These ritual concepts dictated who could interact with whom, what foods could be shared, …

Five major principals define the caste system: 1) marriage within one’s caste; 2) restrictions on eating and drinking within caste; 3) hereditary membership to a caste; 4) the association of specific castes …

According to an ancient text known as the Rigveda, the division of Indian society was based on Brahma's divine manifestation of four groups. Priests and teachers were cast from his mouth, rulers …

The four broad ranks of the caste system in the Indo-Aryan culture, which included Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (kings, governors and warriors), Vaishyas (cattle herders, agriculturists, …

Jun 19, 2019 · The caste system divides Hindus into four main categories - Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and the Shudras. Many believe that the groups originated from Brahma, the Hindu God of …

May 29, 2008 · The demographic ratio of the lowest caste people has been variously estimated to be between 14 to 18% of India's population, for last 50 years. It is currently claimed by some sources to …

There are perhaps more than 3000 jatis in India and there is no one all-Indian system of ranking them in order of status. Yet in each local area jati ranking exists and is very much related to purity and …

Oct 28, 2025 · Understanding the caste system requires distinguishing between two related but distinct concepts: varna and jati. While often used interchangeably, they represent different levels of …