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Chapter 15: 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.

What is “Varna System”/ वर्ण व्यवस्था?

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,

चातुर्वर्ण्यं मया सृष्टं गुणकर्मविभागश: |
तस्य कर्तारमपि मां विद्ध्यकर्तारमव्ययम् || 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 / Take Away

We have come to the end of this 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.

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