What is the caste system BBC Bitesize?

Varna (or caste) A caste is a group within Hindu society. The Rig Veda describes the whole of society as if it were a human body: The teachers and priests are like the head. The warriors and leaders are like the upper body. The merchants, traders and farmers are like the strong legs.

What is the highest caste in Hinduism?

Brahmin
Brahman, also spelled Brahmin, Sanskrit Brāhmaṇa (“Possessor of Brahma”), highest ranking of the four varnas, or social classes, in Hindu India.

What are the four caste of Hinduism?

HIGHER-CASTE PEOPLE CONSIDER THEMSELVES PURER (CLOSER TO MOKSHA) THAN LOWER- CASTE PEOPLE. THE FOUR VARNA —BRAHMAN, KSHATRIYA, VAISHYA, AND SUDRA—ARE THE CLASSICAL FOUR DIVISIONS OF HINDU SOCIETY. IN PRACTICE, HOWEVER, THERE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN MANY SUBDIVISIONS (J’ATIS) OF THESE CASTES.

What is the caste system in Britain?

To the British, viewing the caste system from the outside and on a very superficial level, it appeared to be a static system of social ordering that allowed the ruling class or Brahmins, to maintain their power over the other classes.

What is Hinduism caste system?

The caste system divides Hindus into four main categories – Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and the Shudras. The main castes were further divided into about 3,000 castes and 25,000 sub-castes, each based on their specific occupation. Outside of this Hindu caste system were the achhoots – the Dalits or the untouchables.

What is Varnashrama Dharma Hinduism?

Varnashrama Dharma is a Sanskrit name given to the divisional structure of the Indian society. Often Varnashrama dharma is also thought to be synonymous with the caste system which is very much endemic to India. The term paper will clarify the difference between the two concepts.

Do Indian names indicate caste?

Those with a Hindu background usually have a given name, middle name and a family name (e.g. Sanjay Lal VASANI). Sometimes, a Hindu family name may indicate caste, and a person may drop this name as a way to reject the caste system (e.g. Sanjay Lal).

What are the castes in Hinduism?

The caste system divides Hindus into four main categories – Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and the Shudras. Many believe that the groups originated from Brahma, the Hindu God of creation.

How many castes are there in the Hindu caste system?

The main castes were further divided into about 3,000 castes and 25,000 sub-castes, each based on their specific occupation. Outside of this Hindu caste system were the achhoots – the Dalits or

Do we have a caste problem in the UK?

Hindus: Do We Have a Caste Problem? Parle Patel, a young British Hindu and popular YouTuber, explores the influence of caste on Hindu communities in the UK. Parle Patel, a young British Hindu and popular YouTuber, has grown up part of an ancient caste system – one that works a bit like social class here in the UK.

Who are the Shudras in the Hindu caste system?

At the bottom of the heap were the Shudras, who came from Brahma’s feet and did all the menial jobs. The main castes were further divided into about 3,000 castes and 25,000 sub-castes, each based on their specific occupation. Outside of this Hindu caste system were the achhoots – the Dalits or the untouchables. How does caste work?

What are the four stages of Hindu life?

A Hindu has to complete their dharma based on their caste but also based on what stage of life they are in. There are four stages of life, called ashramas, and a Hindu goes through all of these in their lifetime. The stage of life a Hindu is in decides what their dharma is. Go to school and learn the scriptures and duties. Marry and have children.