The social hierarchy that is the caste system is referred to in early Sanskrit writings in the Indian holy book the Rig Veda. In the beginning there was the main fourfold divisions referred to as Varna. Starting with the Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Viaishyas, and finally the Sudras. The outcastes or “untouchables” were the despised bottom of the rung. Today, however, the system is broken up into hundreds of “jati” meaning sub-castes. In the words of one prominen

The societal classes can also be categorized in that of the twice born, once born, and untouchables. The twice born including the Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Vaisya, are those who possessed a physical and spiritual birth. The once born are the Sudras, or those who lack a spiritual birth. During the spiritual birth of the twice born each caste is given a different kind of thread, based on their social status. The highest is cotton, hemp, and then wool.

t Indian publicist, “The fourfold caste is merely a theoretical division of society…it is a sociological fiction.” The majority of these jati are the result in inter-caste marriages. There is an estimate of 3,000 castes and sub-castes effective today in India. These castes and sub-castes do not marry, eat, celebrate, or associate with each other.

Next are the Ksatriyas, who come from the arms of God. They are the rulers, the warriors, and any high civil servant. But again the professions of the Ksatriya have broadened over the

Some topics in this essay:
Kshatriya Vaisya, Unlike Brahman, Kshatriyas Viaishyas, , Rig Veda, twice born, spiritual birth, rejected brahman, castes sub-castes,