What are varnas? The four main classes of ancient Indian society: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras. Lower level: Shudras

From this article you will learn what varnas are. How are they related to castes and do they exist in modern times?

Almost all countries of antiquity were divided into estates. In the 15-16 centuries. BC. in ancient India, this division was especially pronounced as a result of the strong organization of communities and the remnants of tribal life that were not inferior to them in stamina.

The class principle determines the essence of the varna system. Let's figure out what varna is.

Historically, Ancient India began to take shape as a slave state. With its final formation, the division of all the free into four varnas was declared the only legal one and sanctified by religion.

Closed estates

The meaning of the term "varna" is defined in Sanskrit as "color, light", "kind", "category" of people.

Two variants of what varna is are recognized.

• Varna - "color, light" - is used to refer to the Aryans. They possessed blue eyes And fair skin. The local tribes had black skin.
• Varnas are interpreted as closed groups that were formed as a result of the division of labor.

Varnas in Ancient India:

• brahmins (priests);
• kshatriyas (warriors);
• vaishyas (traders, farmers, herdsmen);
• sudras (servants).

The supreme varna is the Brahmins. They acted as priests. Studied sacred books, Vedic hymns. Participated in the administration of the state, developing laws and instructions.

The next most important varna is the kshatriyas. This included the professional military. The varna system determined their duties and powers. The kshatriyas were the collectors of taxes and duties. They received at their disposal war booty and captured slaves.

The third varna is the vaishyas. These are farmers, artisans, peasants and merchants. They were full members of the community.

The fourth varna is the sudras. These are ruined peasants outside the community, former slaves, strangers. They were meant to serve.

castes

What are varnas, castes, classes in Ancient India? This is still a topic of discussion among Orientalists.

Over time, each varna was stratified into rich and poor. But the strong ties of the family, the community supported the law and religion. This hindered the emergence of classes.

Despite the fact that the ancient Indian state was a slave-owning state, the laws do not oppose slaves and free people. Castes have practically supplanted classes.

Castes are ethnic groups, and communities by profession, and military clans, and religious communities.

Varnas and castes are reflected in the state constitution of India. Depending on which varna a person belongs to, his rights and obligations depend. Caste is reflected in family law.

The occupations of people did not always correspond to their castes. Therefore, the castes were divided into many podcasts.

Castes today

In official censuses, which are held every ten years, the column on caste has been removed. Last time a census containing this item was taken in 1931. Then they counted about 3000 castes. It is not necessary that all existing podcasts have been taken into account.

The constitution of India is the largest in the world. Mahatma Gandhi, during the transition of India to independence, could not abolish the system left by the ancestors.

The Constitution retained laws on caste and tribe, although caste discrimination was abolished.

Universal suffrage only strengthened the collective spirit and cohesion of the castes.

Politicians use caste interests to win the support of the electorate.

About Indian castes ah, which today play a huge role in the social structure modern India, everyone knows. But what is Varna - not everyone will answer this question.

But the fact is that the division of society into four main groups according to professional sign- this is varna. But the word "caste" came from Europe, from Portugal and meant belonging to a certain profession. Then there was some confusion in terminology, and the European term moved to India.

The origin of varnas

The very word "varna" in Sanskrit means "color, category". Initially, there were four varnas: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. It is believed that once upon a time a giant lived on earth - the progenitor of all people. He was sacrificed, and from his body came all the people. But since people came from different parts the body of a giant, then their functions and social status were different.

Brahmins came from the lips and ears of the giant, they could talk with the gods and convey their will to people. In another way, they are also called "twice born." Priests, philosophers, teachers, priests came out of the varna of the Brahmins. These are the most respected people in society, they are revered as Gods who have come to earth to fulfill a special mission.

Kshatriyas - originated from the shoulders and arms of a giant, these are warriors - protectors and guards. And rajahs, and kings, and military leaders belonged to this class. They needed to improve in martial arts and in government and lawmaking.

Vaishyas are herders, merchants and artisans, they originated from the hips and legs of a giant. But this does not include farmers, because the art of growing bread was highly valued in India, and it was suitable for a person of any class. Bread has always been the basis of life, and any Brahmin could follow the plow without losing his dignity.

The Shudras originated from the feet of God, which were always covered in dust and dirt, so their faces are always sweaty from dirty work. Their function was to serve the representatives of all other estates.

Functions of color in varnas

concept varna in ancient Indian society was closely associated with initiation, i.e. the child's transition to adulthood. At about the age of 11-12 years, a ceremony was held, the child's belonging to the varna was determined, and his waist was tied with a lace of a certain color. The Brahmins wore a black sash, the Kshatriyas a red sash, the Vaishyas a yellow or orange sash, and the Shudras did not wear colored sashes, but were supposed to serve all people with similar colored laces.

Let us turn to the second name of the Brahmins - twice born. Why? Because their affiliation was determined at the age of 14, much later than among representatives of other classes. This is explained by the fact that the role of brahmins in society is extremely complex and responsible. They must be truly wise and responsible people who can take responsibility for others and take on the courage to solve problems that arise in society.

By the way, in ancient times belonging to Varna was not inherited, only in the Middle Ages, when Varna was transformed into a caste, the child began to receive social status from his parents. Then caste system changed for the worse, because it did not give young people the opportunity to change their social position to a higher one and become successful.

Probably everyone has heard about the theories of ancient Greek scientists about the change of civilizations: the golden age, silver Age, copper and iron, and their characteristics.

Modern scientists in accordance with this classification have revealed a curious theory.

At first, only the Brahmins ruled the world, they were not legitimate rulers, but they were respected and revered by the people, and this is the best form of power. They resolved disputes fairly and taught people to live in mercy. This was the golden age.

Then the kshatriyas came to power. Wise government ceased to satisfy the people, and there appeared strong hand, army, laws and system of punishments. This is the silver age.

In the era of capitalism, vaishyas came to power, because it was money (capital) that began to rule the world. Money began to make the law, it was they who made it possible to rule the world. It was the Bronze or Copper Age.

And finally, in our days, the Sudras have come to power. This is an iron age ruled by people with iron hearts and no souls. These are former slaves who have broken free, they rule the world and those whom they previously served meekly.

Features of the behavior of the Brahmins

Although the Brahmins are the highest caste, they have many prohibitions. For example, they do not have the right to eat the meat of animals, they cannot accept food from the hands of a person who does not belong to his caste. They have no right to engage in other activities, except for what is intended for them by the Gods.

Brahmins can accept gifts from members of other castes, but they themselves cannot give in return. A white, red or yellow mark on the forehead of a Brahmin indicates which god he worships: Shiva, Krishna or Vishnu.

Features of the behavior of kshatriyas

This class includes not only the ruling elite, but also all landlords - landowners. Neither men nor women of this caste have the right to marry a person from a different class, of course, in the 21st century, little attention is paid to this, but if a man can marry a woman of a lower birth, such a union is called hypergamy, then for a woman such actions are impossible.

Kshatriyas have the right to take food from the hands of brahmins, and they are also allowed to eat meat, except for the meat of sacred animals.

Features of Varna Vaishya

Usually people of this class are required to strictly perform all ceremonies and rituals, adhere to special restrictions in nutrition, as well as in choosing a profession. Vaishyas today are not only businessmen, but also bankers, managers, middle class people.

Features of the Shudra Varna

Of course, all castes without exception are divided into several strata within it, but the Shudras (the most numerous varna in India) are divided into two large parts: pure sudras and dirty sudras.

The pure Shudras are the inhabitants countryside engaged in agriculture. It's a respectable job commanding respect. Sudras may include meat in their diet, perform religious ceremonies less strictly, and in addition, widows and divorced women are allowed to remarry, which is strictly prohibited for women from upper castes.

The dirty or inferior sudras include artisans - potters, weavers, winemakers, barbers, etc. Their occupation is less respectable than growing bread, although, of course, it is also in demand in society. People of the same profession unite in a union, like workshops in Europe, and marry within their community.

Features of varna untouchables

In addition to the four well-known castes, there is also an untouchable class, which, according to legend, originated from the mud under the feet of God. Just touching the clothes of these people will stain a member of any other caste, and rites of purification and sacrifice will need to be performed.

The four main estates of ancient Indian society over the millennia of life have practically not changed their life rules and moral foundations, while maintaining a huge gap of alienation between the varnas: the social strata of the population. What are varnas in and what effect do they have on a person? Is knowing one's place the secret of the Indian nation? After all, it is known that India is the most peaceful country that has never attacked other nationalities.

What are varnas?

This concept in ancient India was formed back in the 2nd century BC, when the basic law of Manu, the progenitor of mankind according to Hinduism, was formulated. This code of laws contained 2685 shlokas, that is, couplets, in which the essence of social (caste law), legal and legal legislation was conveyed.

The estate of a society, accommodating a certain group of people, the social stratum of the population (Varna in Ancient India), was determined by birth, it could not be bought or donated. Marriages between different varnas were categorically forbidden, which was scrupulously pursued. Moreover, if a person violated the division according to estates and created unequal marriage, he was declared a sinner who violated the age-old foundations: his children “inherited” this sin and were persecuted by society.

There are four main varnas: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras, but there was also an unspoken caste of untouchables. Later, the word "varna", meaning "color" (skin?), Was renamed "castes" (from the Portuguese "genus") at the suggestion of the Portuguese, who visited India for the first time in the 16th century, although, according to some sources, it is believed that Varna and caste is all the same different concepts: varna is an estate by birth, and caste is by type of activity.

If the first three estates could interact at the level of work, housekeeping or other social issues, then contacts with the Shudras were extremely undesirable. For each varna, a special charter of behavior and morality was drawn up, which was forbidden to be violated:

• The Brahmins studied the Vedas from the age of 8, and came of age at the age of 16.
• Kshatriyas studied scriptures from the age of 11, reached the age of majority at 22.
• Vaishyas studied Vedic wisdom from the age of 12, and came of age from the age of 24.
• The Shudras were forbidden to study the ancient Vedic texts.

The story of the emergence of varnas

"Vedas" - ancient Indian books of wisdom, transmitted for many centuries as the main property indian culture. According to the Vedas, the supreme creator material world Brahma from his mouth gave birth to the varna of the brahmins, endowing them with holiness, the highest spiritual knowledge and the wisdom of truth, from his hands he recreated the varna of the kshatriyas, therefore they are characterized by power, strength and activity. From his hips he created vaishyas - people with a market mindset who could create wealth or at least a non-poor existence out of nothing. The last varna - the shudras - was created from the feet of Brahma, so it was destined for her kind to obey and serve all the rest of the higher ones.

Moreover, varnas are a division into classes according to the level of consciousness, motives of behavior and internal spiritual world, which determines the environment, and primarily parents. That is why, from birth, a child is jealously protected from communication with other estates, so as not to distort his one-pointedness of mind.

The essence of the idea - in one word

Some teachers have a rather simple explanation of how to designate varna in one word:

• Sudra - "I'm afraid." The lower class, living in constant base fears: hunger, cold, insecurity from people and the elements.
• Vaishya - I ask. It is easy for people from this varna to ask, they often achieve everything through "thick skin" in promoting their interest.
• Kshatriya - "I believe." People of strong faith, often not based on any solid facts.
• Brahman - I know. An estate whose life is based on true knowledge.

Highest caste: Brahmins

Priests and scientists-thinkers, spiritual mentors who thoroughly know the sacred "Vedas" and religious figures, teachers - they all belong to the varna of the Brahmins, the highest and most revered among the estates that participate in the fate of the city (governance, courts), are engaged in scientific activity. They are ascetic and balanced, merciful and highly spiritual.

Even if a Brahmin was engaged in activities unworthy for his lineage - agriculture or weaving, this was due to the fact that he comprehends the nature of this action, that is, he conducts philosophical observations and reflections. It was believed that White color- this is exclusively for brahmins.

Only in particularly severe cases is a violation of the law allowed (which is extremely rare and is considered very shameful). To harm a brahmana is a very heavy karma that haunts for years the one who dared to transgress centuries-old traditions.

Average human level

They are called kshatriyas: warriors, rulers, military leaders, public and administrative figures. In ancient times, they were considered the descendants of the Aryans, aristocrats by birth and special warriors who achieved this position with their exploits: they are full of heroism and fortitude, patience and generosity.

The political power of a city or region was concentrated in their hands, quite often they possessed vast estates and lands, therefore, in fact, they had a double income: from land and a salary from the state for military operations (if any). Kshatriyas were even allowed to kill in the name of justice and protection of honor those who could not stand up for themselves - women, children. The red color is belonging to the kshatriyas.

Trader class

People who closely deal with money are merchants, farmers and artisans - vaishyas (vaishyas). Their mindset was strikingly different from the Brahmin or Dalit: the vein of the entrepreneur was in the blood, and already from early childhood representatives of this varna knew how to earn a living.

This does not mean that such a person necessarily lived in prosperity, being a speculator or usurer, no, but the vaishyu definitely owned a worthy craft that maintained a level of being sufficient for that time. With all this, the Vaishya belonged yellow, was considered a commoner and did not have a significant voice in society, but he was not persecuted like a sudra.

Lower level: Shudras

Hired workers, servants, and in general the entire population living below the poverty line, both material and spiritual, are called sudras. Communication with them of the higher castes was considered unworthy, on the verge of lifelong shame.

Of all the varnas, it was the Shudras who suffered the most severe oppression from the state: they paid a large tax, they were judged especially severely for misconduct and were not allowed to conduct religious rites, which is considered a rather significant sign. Shudra could be bought and sold, his property could be taken away from him without fear of punishment: there was only one explanation - he was born to serve, which means he cannot grumble after the fact. The color of a sudra is naturally black.

Dalits (untouchables) or pariahs

Twenty percent of the total population of India are precisely Dalits who do not have any social and legal rights: it is forbidden to communicate with them, they are not allowed to enter the inside of the temple or the courtyard to a person from another varna or caste, and if they dare to take water from a common well, which are full in India, then they will simply be torn to pieces by an offended crowd.

Historians believe that this varna arose in ancient India from the local population conquered by the Aryans, who settled their settlements on their territory and used the natives as slaves for the most dirty and hard work. At the present time, nothing has changed: the untouchables clean the toilets, kill animals for food and dress the skin, remove dead animals and garbage from the streets, wash clothes (dhobi laundresses). Such a varna that the stigma on its kind is forever: since the attitude towards varna is inherited, Dalits have no chance to break this vicious circle, unless the government changes the ancient code of laws and abolishes the obsolete system that violates human rights, for which for a long time fought Mahatma Gandhi.

Analogues in Slavic culture

To understand what varnas are, let's turn to the tradition of the Slavic peoples, which also had its own generic differences:

• Magi, or sorcerers, are Brahmins in Hinduism, in Ancient Rus' were also the keepers of spiritual knowledge, carrying them through the centuries of generations.
• Knights - kshatriyas, warriors and defenders of the fatherland, as well as rulers: princes, kings and governors.
• Vesi - vaishyas, merchants, farmers and artisans are the main stratum of society in any country.
• Smerdas - Shudras, also exist to serve the other three estates, as they do not have a penchant for mental or philosophical activity, and also have a low level of spirituality. It is enough for them to eat and sleep, to copulate - their consciousness does not require more, unlike higher classes.

For the first time four varnas are mentioned in "Purusha-sukte""Rig Veda", which describes the origin of people from parts of the body of the first man Purusha:

Later monuments repeat as an idea four varnas, and the motive of their origin from a certain demiurge or cultural hero, the ancestor of the tradition. One of the most known versions the plot of the transformation of the divine character or the first man into elements social structure(in this case, in varnas) is contained in the Laws of Manu (where the varna structure of society received its codification):

It should be noted that Brahman had the right to receive alms (in essence - to take ownership of any property that he wanted). Kshatriya had the right to pardon anyone. When initiated as a student, the boy received a cord made of different material for representatives of different varnas, which was obliged to wear until the end of life.

Already in ancient India, stratification began within the varnas, which led to the formation of numerous castes.

Brahmins

In a typical countryside upper layer The caste hierarchy is formed by members of one or more Brahmin castes, constituting from 5 to 10% of the population. Among these Brahmins there are a number of landowners, a few village clerks and accountants or accountants, small group clergy who perform ritual functions in local shrines and temples. Members of each Brahmin caste marry only within their circle, although it is possible to marry a bride from a family belonging to a similar sub-caste from a neighboring area. Brahmins are not supposed to plow or do certain types of manual work; women from their midst can serve in the house, and landowners can cultivate allotments, but only not plow. Brahmins are also allowed to work as cooks or domestic servants.

A Brahman is not entitled to eat food prepared outside his caste, but members of all other castes may eat from the hands of Brahmins. In choosing food, a Brahmin observes many prohibitions. Members of the Vaishnava caste (who worship the god Vishnu) have been vegetarian since the 4th century, when it became widespread; some other castes of Shiva-worshipping Brahmins (Shaiva Brahmins) do not in principle renounce meat dishes, but abstain from the meat of animals included in the diet of the lower castes.

Brahmins serve as spiritual guides in the families of most high or middle status castes, with the exception of those considered "impure". Brahmin priests, as well as members of a number of religious orders, are often recognized by "caste signs" - patterns painted on the forehead with white, yellow or red paint. But such marks only indicate belonging to the main sect and characterize this person as a worshiper of, for example, Vishnu or Shiva, and not as a member of a particular caste or sub-caste.

Brahmins, to a greater extent than others, adhere to the occupations and professions that were provided for by their varna. For many centuries, scribes, scribes, clergymen, scientists, teachers and officials came out of their midst. Back in the first half of the 20th century. in some areas, brahmins occupied up to 75% of all more or less important government posts.

In dealing with the rest of the population, the Brahmins do not allow reciprocity; thus, they accept money or gifts from members of other castes, but they themselves never make gifts of a ritual or ceremonial nature. Among the Brahmin castes there is no complete equality, but even the lowest of them stands above the rest of the highest castes.

Kshatriyas

Following the Brahmins, the most prominent hierarchical place is occupied by the Kshatriya castes. In rural areas they include, for example, landlords, possibly associated with former ruling houses (eg Rajput princes in Northern India). Traditional occupations in such castes are the work of managers on estates and service in various administrative positions and in the army, but now these castes no longer enjoy their former power and authority. In ritual terms, kshatriyas are immediately behind the brahmins and also observe strict caste endogamy, although they allow marriage with a girl from a lower podcast (a union called hypergamy), but in no case can a woman marry a man of a podcast below her own. Most kshatriyas eat meat; they have the right to take food from the Brahmins, but not from representatives of any other castes.

Vaishya

The untouchables are divided according to traditional types activities of their representatives, as well as the area of ​​their residence. The most common categories of untouchables are chamars (tanners), dhobi (washerwomen), pariahs.

Current position

Despite the fact that varnas arose about 2-3 thousand years ago, they continue to exist in modern India, although their role and importance in the life of society is steadily declining. In the countryside, varnas play comparatively more important role than in cities. In many firms and corporations, as well as in public institutions, the belonging of a person to one or another varna officially does not play any role, although cases of discrimination on this basis are quite frequent.

see also

Notes

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See what "Varna" is in other dictionaries:

- (Skt. lit. quality, color), 4 main estates in Dr. India. The dominant position in society was occupied by brahmins and kshatriyas. The working population was included in the Vaishya and Shudra varnas, the position of the latter was humiliated. The most oppressed and ... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

- (Sanskrit, literally quality, color), 4 main estates (castes) in Ancient India: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras ... Modern Encyclopedia

In ancient India, there were four main classes of caste. Members first three varna brahmins (priests), kshatriyas (military nobility), vaishyas (community members) in childhood underwent an initiation rite, which was considered a second birth, therefore they were called twice born. Marriages… … Historical dictionary

Varna- (Sanskrit, literally quality, color), 4 main estates (castes) in Ancient India: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras. … Illustrated encyclopedic Dictionary

- (Sanskrit, literally quality, color), four main estates in ancient india: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras. * * * VARNA VARNA (Sanskrit, lit. quality, color), four estates of Ancient India. Representatives of the highest varna to the brahmins (see ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

varnas- an abscess ... Concise Dictionary anagram

Varna Indian castes Varna West Slavic tribe near the Varnov River List of meanings of a word or phrase with reference ... Wikipedia

(species, genus, color) - the name of four social communities, or ranks, into which the population of ancient India was divided. In the aggregate, V. represented a hierarchy of statuses that did not coincide with property, class, or political status. division about-va. The eldest was V. Brahmins - scientists, priests and teachers, white was associated with her; second in rank - V. kshatriyas - warriors, rulers and nobility (red color); the third V. vaishyas - farmers, cattle breeders and merchants, common people(yellow); fourth V. Shudra - dependent persons (black color). The boys of the three upper V. underwent the Upanayana rite and were considered dvija ("twice-born"). Shudras were considered "one-born". They and even lower strata of the population were not allowed to study the Vedas and other priests. books. The division of society into V. genetically goes back to the Indo-Iranian or even Indo-European community, in which there were three social ranks (in Iran - pishtra). It is generally accepted that V. Shudra was already formed in India from the local population, included in the so-called arr. in the Aryan society. However, V. is not mentioned in the early Vedic literature, with the exception of one of the later hymns of the Rig Veda, which recounts the legend of the emergence of V. as a result of the sacrifice of the first man Purusha: the brahmins arose from the mouth, the kshatriyas from the hands, the vaishyas from the torso, the shudras - from the feet. V. were not strictly endogamous. Tradition explains further development V.'s system into a system of castes by intermarriages, children from to-rykh occupied a different social position. Until now, most Indian castes trace their origin to one of the varnas.
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Definitions, meanings of the word in other dictionaries:

(Skt. type, genus, color), the name of the four social communities, or ranks, into which the population of ancient India was divided. Taken together, the varnas represented a hierarchy of statuses that did not coincide with the property, class or political division of society. Varna was the eldest...

Big Dictionary esoteric terms - edited by d.m.s. Stepanov A.M.

(from Portuguese casts - genus, species, breed), a group of people who are aware of their commonality, marry only among themselves, having a circle traditional occupations, as well as specific customs, rituals, mythology, which limits communication with other similar groups and is included in ...