VARNA SYSTEM

INTRODUCTION :-

Varna System is one of the most famous and controversial topics in Hinduism. Today, I will

be resolving a few of the misconceptions about it with more in-depth information on

it.Varna is a Sanskrit term, derived from ‘vr’ — to cover, to envelop, count, classify,

consider, describe or choose.The term is used to describe the social class divisions made in

the Vedic period in the Brahminical books like the Manusmriti. It is important to note that
the word caste is derived from the Portuguese word “Casta” which means breed or race.

This word used interchangeably with Varna, which is contextually wrong.

Purpose of the Varna system

Brahmins are the teachers and wise men (sometimes priests), Kshatriyas are the

warriors, Vaishyas are the merchants and Shudras are service providers. The varnas are

basically occupational classifications based on the qualities of each individual. These

qualities allow them to perform to their best in their vocation. The duties are different for

the different varnas. But, regardless of which varna one belongs to, his duties should be

performed in accordance with his svadharma. This contributes to an orderly society and

establishes harmony.

The first mention of the Varna system was found in Purusha Suktam verse of the

ancient Sanskrit Rig Veda. Purusha is believed to be the first being constituted by a

combination of the four Varnas.

ब्राह्मणोऽस्य मुखामासीद्वाहू राजन्य: कृत:।

ऊरू तदस्य यद्वैश्यः पद्भ्यां शूद्रो अजायत॥१३॥

Purusha Sooktam 13 / Rigved 10.7.90.13 — The Brahmana (spiritual wisdom and

splendour) was His mouth; the Kshatriya (administrative and military prowess) His
arms became. His thighs were the Vaisya (commercial and business enterprise); of His

feet, the Sudra (productive and sustaining force) was born.

This is a verse from the Rig Veda which shows how the four varnas are described as four

important parts of God. To function as a normal human being, one needs all these essential

parts. No special importance is granted to any part. They are all equally important.

Likewise, the four varnas are the basis for the working of any society. There is no

superiority or inferiority involved. Each varna has its own role to play in society in

accordance with the qualities of its members.

Classifications of Varnas

There are many types of misconceptions on its bases of categorisation.

Based on Jati: A person who is born in a Brahmin family is called a Jati Brahmana

(Brahmin by birth), a person born in a Kshatriya family is called a Jati Kshatriya (Kshatriya

by birth), likewise Vaishya and Shudra. This classification is the Caste System of the

present age.

Based on Karma: This next classification is based on the profession of the person. Here,

a person who dedicates his life to the study and propagation of the scriptures and helps the

society lead a religious life is called a Karma Brahmana (Brahmin by profession). A person

who is in a profession that helps and protects the society like politics, army etc. is called a

Karma Kshatriya (Kshatriya by profession). One who is involved in a profession like

commerce, business etc. is called a Karma Vaishya (Vaishya by profession). The fourth kind

of profession is that which serves the other three professions i.e. Brahmana, Kshatriya and

Vaishya. The person who undertakes such a profession is called a Karma Shudra (Shudra

by profession).
Based on Guna: The next classification is based on the character of an individual.

Therefore, the caste that a person is born into does not affect this particular classification.

A person who has a religious and spiritual nature is called a Guna Brahmana (Brahmin by

character); one who is courageous, selflessly active and serves the society at all times is

called Guna Kshatriya (Kshatriya by character). An individual who has excellent business

sense and is commercially inclined is called a Guna Vaishya (Vaishya by character). Finally,

the individual who is service-oriented is called Guna Shudra (Shudra by character).

This is validated in Bhagavad Gītā 4.13 verse,चातुवर्ण्य� मया सृष्टं गुणकमर्�वभागश: |

तस्य कतार्रम�प मां �वद्ध्यकतार्रमव्ययम् || 13||

BG 4.13: The four categories of occupations were created by me according to people’s

qualities and activities. Although I am the creator of this system, know me to be the non-

doer and eternal.

Conclusion

We have come to the end of today’s topic, what do we take away from this. Over the

centuries we have seen many misusing the varna system for their own self-interest even

quoting that the śāstra-s itself have validated their misconceptions as such you may find

many articles on the internet saying the way caste system is the practice today is

Hinduism, this is not true. The fact is that the only varna system is based on Guna, still

relevant. Also, we know that it is not based on Jati & Karma because śāstra-s tell of great

Rishi (sages) born in various varnas such as Vyasa from a fisherman’s daughter and

Satyakama Jabala. There is no discrimination based on what varna you belong, As Shruti

considers all of them equal.