The Varna System

The Varna System

1. 'varna'

   • Brahmins
     • Spiritual leadership
     • basic needs fulfilled
     • Study and teach Vedas
       • Know Brahman
     • Perform sacrifice and religious ceremonies
   • Kshatriyas
     • Ruling class
     • Protect Citizens
     • Collect taxes from Vaishyas
     • Deal with crime and lawlessness
     • Occupations
       • Warriors
       • Policemen
       • Administrators
   • Vaishyas
     • Productive class
     • Create wealth and prosperity
     • Trade ethically
     • Maintain workers with abundant necessities
   • Shudras
     • Allowed to accept employment
     • Servants
     • Moral principles
     • Marriage is only compulsory samskara.

2. Scriptural Basis

   • Mythological
     • Primal man
     • sections from each limb
   • Mahabharata
     • Divisions created with a purpose