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What are the Varnas based on?
Varna system is the social stratification based on the Varna, caste. Four basic categories are defined under this system – Brahmins (priests, teachers, intellectuals), Kshatriyas (warriors, kings, administrators), Vaishyas (agriculturalists, traders, farmers ) and Shudras (workers, labourers, artisans).
How were the Varna determined?
The Varna hierarchy was hence, determined by the descending order of the different organs from which the Varnas were created. According to the ancient text of Bhagavad Gita, the varna system was not considered to be hereditary and was assigned on the basis of karma.
What do you understand by Varna?
Varna contextually means “colour, race, tribe, species, kind, sort, nature, character, quality, property” of an object or people in some Vedic and medieval texts. Varna refers to four social classes in the Manusmriti.
How is varna different from caste?
Literally ‘Varna’ means colour and originates from the world ‘Vri’ meaning the choice of one’s occupation. Hence Varna is concerned with one’s colour or occupation. Caste or ‘Jati’ originates from the root word ‘Jana’ which implies taking birth. Thus, caste is concerned with birth.
What is varna system Ncert?
The Varna system in India refers to the caste system in which the society is divided into four castes. The caste system is hereditary in nature and is based on occupation.
What was the Varna system in Mahajanapadas?
Describe the varna system as it existed during the period of Mahajanapadas. Ans. Society was divided into four varnas – Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. Brahmins were on the top of the Varna ladder and their duties were to study and teach the Vedas, to perform sacrifices and to receive gifts.
How did the varna system help Vedic society?
The Varna system helped Vedic society to protect and preserve family occupations and job specific skills, and ensure the continuation of family lineages, while minimizing conflicts and competition between them. Each Varna was entrusted with a set of specific duties (varna dharmas), which were collectively called the Dharma.
Was the system of four varnas man-made?
The system of four varnas was a man-made structure based on one group exploiting others Hindu scholars contend that the original system was based on co-operation, mutual service to God, and commensurate rights and responsibilities. For example, although the warriors had great wealth and power, they were expected to be first into battle.
What does Varna stand for?
Varna, Sanskrit varṇa, any one of the four traditional social classes of India. Although the literal meaning of the word varna (Sanskrit: “colour”) once invited speculation that class distinctions were originally based on differences in degree of skin pigmentation between an alleged group of lighter-skinned invaders called “ Aryans ”…
What is the difference between Varna and varnakrama?
In other words, varna primarily refers to the physical appearance of things or people and their categorization based upon the common characteristics they share. Varnakrama refers to the order of castes or the alphabetical arrangement of letters.