Caste System in Ancient India
The whole philosophy of Indian social organization may be summarized in one word, varna-ashrama-dharma, which may be appropriately translated as Social Federalism. This principle of social integration or synthesis was understood as early as the times of the Samhitas in the Vedic age. The Vedic seers realized that the best and surest way of saving society from frequent suicidal chaos was to divide its members into specific groups, with well-defined functions and privileges or rewards for each. Brahmins Those who were associated with the field of teaching and research were called as Brahmins. Teachers, scientists, astrologers and priests were included in this category. T hey were the custodians of the social and spiritual heritage of the group and were to pass it on to the succeeding generations. They were to preserve the purity of idealism. Kashtriyas They were the gaurdians of the soceity. Their duty was to maintain law and order in the society. The...