What Are the Varnas? Who Is Foremost Among the Four?

What are the varnas (social orders)? Who is foremost among the four varnas?

Shudra

In present times, the Shudra varna is perhaps presumed to consist of poorly clad, impoverished people; that is why several jatis (caste groups) have an issue with being identified as Shudra varna. Before I offer my perspective on this, let me make one thing unequivocally clear: if tomorrow someone uncovers my true history and tells me that my jati falls under the "Shudra varna", I will accept that with absolute joy. Not for a single second will I entertain any feeling of inferiority in my mind, for I know that a Shudra is just as sacred as a Brahmin!

This deplorable condition of the Shudra varna arose only after the Islamic invasions. In Vedic society, Shudras engaged in diverse trades and daily enterprise were immensely wealthy. This was because their earnings were not bound by the kind of strictures that constrained the other three varnas. According to Vedic societal order, the more one rendered service to society, the greater the concessions and accommodations granted to him. Look within your own household: to parents, the younger son who serves them directly is often dearer than the earning eldest son. In Vedic society, even the penal provisions prescribed for Shudras were lighter than those for other varnas. The sole reason was that Shudras were dearest to the state. The upper three varnas, on the other hand, had the oil pressed out of them in every age.

Brahmin

The Brahmin varna rose at dawn every day 2 to 3 hours before all other communities. Thereafter, he performed nitya-karma (daily obligatory rites), snana (ritual ablution), surya namaskar, other yogasanas, svadhyaya (scriptural self-study), and puja-patha (worship and recitation). This ideal discipline was enjoined across Vedic culture for everyone from Brahmins to Shudras. For the Brahmin varna, however, it was mandatory. To the Brahmins belonged the responsibilities of education, justice, jyotisha (traditional astrology and astronomy), medicine, social organization, and the like.

Vaishya

The day for the Vaishya varna commenced just as it did for Brahmins. Thereafter, they occupied themselves with agriculture, trade, and enterprise. By 9 PM, everyone living within the Vedic tradition had retired to sleep. In any enterprise, one could not extract a profit exceeding 6 percent. This was fixed. Whatever wealth accumulated with the Vaishyas from that regulated income, they returned to society through dana (sacred charity). Even today, the magnificent mansions built by Vaishyas enhance the splendor of the land of Bharat. Let me cite an instance of true liberty: in the Churu district of Rajasthan, the Vaishyas had a dispute with the state authority. Throwing down a challenge to the ruler, the Vaishyas established a town nearby named "Ramgarh Sethan". Constructing grand edifices within it, they turned it into the most splendid township of its era. The raja of Ramgarh and Churu was the same; displeased with him, the merchants separated, yet settled on that very raja's territory in another settlement, challenging him by erecting a town more magnificent than his own—and upon that very king's domain. And the king allowed it all to proceed without friction. He harbored no malice. Would modern democracy or Muslim rule ever have permitted such defiance? This alone is what is called true freedom.

Kshatriya

The one who shielded the populace from harm (kshati) and bore the burden of citizen protection was designated the Kshatriya varna. The standards of his conduct were of the highest order. Striking an enemy in the back, for instance, was branded cowardice. As soon as a king's rajyabhisheka (consecration ceremony) concluded, he would march against an adversary. If no adversary existed, he went on a hunt. The objective was that through such ordeal, the valor, fortitude, loyalty, and acumen of every man could be tested. To wage war in defense of justice was regarded by Kshatriyas with immense pride—as though the gates of svarga (heaven) had spontaneously swung open to welcome them. To lay down one's life to protect the people and safeguard the commonwealth was the Kshatriya's dharma (sacred duty).

The Shudra varna was an integral limb of society. He was the servant of Gau Mata (the sacred cow), the servant of the nation. The Vaishya was the sustainer of the nation. The Brahmin was the intellect of the nation and of dharma. And the Kshatriya was the shield of the nation. Now, whom among them will you proclaim superior? Which eye is dearer to you between your two eyes? The judgment rests with you...!!

- Ram Purohit, the author has dedicated his life to dharma and society and is a profound authority on Hindu history and culture.

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