How Many Varnas Are There According To The Rig Veda Fourthreesixten?

The Sanskrit word "Varna" denotes colour. It is denoted in Vedic literature as a certain class in a modern civilization where people are classified according to their skin colour and line of work. The Manusmriti and Yajur Vedic writings define and exemplify the significance of the Varna. The Aryans who invaded modern-day India made the differentiation based on skin colour, origin, and occupation across society.

The native people were dark-skinned, whereas Aryans had lighter skin tones. This contrast in skin hues produced a separation between these purported invaders and indigenous people. They made the decision to make distinctions amongst people based on the aforementioned criteria in order to increase their supremacy. One such element is skin tone.

Four types of varnas according to Rig Veda

According to the Vedic scriptures Rig and Yajur Vedas, ancient Indian society was divided into four different castes. Castes were defined based on skin colour and occupation. The idea arose from the invasion of the Aryans, the relatively light-skinned invaders of India. They defined the caste system to separate society into hierarchies.

The varna system in India suggests four distinct caste distinctions based on occupation and skin colour. These cassettes are:

• Brahmin-Brahmins held the highest positions in society due to their occupation and skin colour. They were destined to be respected by the rest of the caste and they were the only ones to be studied. They also taught people of the same religion. It was they who could only perform the Vedas and rituals. Brahmins had the right to perform rituals, pujas and sacrifices from other castes. Therefore, this class had the right to read, write and study. They were so familiar with the Vedas that they basically made all the rules and regulations of the society.

• Kshatriyas-The second caste in the Varna caste system was the Kshatriya. This is a fighting group in society. From childhood, they were trained as soldiers and warriors to save the country from invasion. Their duty was to protect all four floors from the clutches of the enemy.

• Vaishyas-Third on the social scale is this Varna or caste. All members of this caste were wage earners who worked as traders, farmers, and other occupations. Under the direction of the Brahmins, only the Vaishyas and Kshatriyas were permitted to perform ceremonies and offer sacrifices.

• Shudras- This caste is one of the four Varnas, and it is at the bottom of the social scale. The Shudras were forbidden from engaging in any rituals, pursuing an education, or engaging in any other activity; they were only allowed to work for the aforementioned three castes. All students need to do is perform household chores, etc. for the aforementioned three classes. In this patriarchal society, women were not permitted to pursue education or employment. They had the same rights as Shudras to work from home and provide for their own families. Additionally, they were not permitted to learn how to battle or study the Vedas.

Explanation of the Varnas in Rig Vedas

According to Rig Veda, there are four castes in this system. In the Yajur Vedas, people were distinguished by the colour of their skin. At that time, there were only two colours, white and black.

From the above discussion, it is easy to understand what varna is and how people are separated based on their occupation and skin colour. All three varnas are born twice. The first is born in the mother's womb and the second in adulthood. This second birth took place in a spiritual way called "Upanayana". A sudra is born once and assigned to serve three others.

The three castes can practise and study the Vedas in addition to their main occupation. Upon closer examination, the Vaishyas were ordinary people, cultivators, potters, vegetarians, etc. Brahmins and Kshatriyas ruled and had great powers to administer the society. These two ruling castes meant Varna.

The answer to what is the varna system is that India had four caste social systems with functions and responsibilities of all castes. Women did not have the same freedom of exploration as men. They stay at home to serve their families. Apart from these four classes, there were other classes that were not included in the system.

The untouchables made up this class. They did not reside in the system and were not villagers. They were primarily tribal and foresters. They were referred to as "Avarna" since they did not fit into any particular class. The "Jaati" technique, which is still in use in India in a very powerful form, was born as a result of the caste system.