Hinduism Caste System

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In Hindu society, the traditional system of varnashrama dharma consisted of a caste system that regulated a person’s class status in society. Varna is a Sanskrit word which is translated as caste from which the hierarchical class system is derived (Brodd 102). Within the caste system, there are four main classes and one class that is considered outside the caste and lower than all the others. The hierarchy starts at the top with the brahmin, which includes the priestly class. Following the brahmin, the next caste group is the kshatriya, which includes warriors and political leaders. The third group is the vaishya; this group includes producers such as merchants and farmers. The last group within the caste system is shudra which consists of servants. The fifth group, dubbed the ‘outcastes’ and ‘untouchables’, are not included within the caste system. Traditionally, this group has been marginalized and oppressed. …show more content…
“Jati literally means ‘birth group’” (Brodd 103). One is born into the caste in which they belong. Therefore, one could not change their position within the caste system. Hindus believe that dharma, which can be described as their duty in life, was unchanging. If one was born a servant, one could not change their duty in life to that of a warrior. Additionally, marriage practices upheld the caste system as one could not marry outside of their caste. However, one can marry across jatis if it is within “communities that are equal in social and ritual status” (Brodd

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