Caste system present in Vedas from "summary" of The Religion of the Veda by Hermann Oldenberg
The Vedas, ancient Hindu scriptures, contain references to a caste system, which divides people into social categories. This social stratification is based on notions of purity and pollution, with each caste having a distinct place in society.- The Vedas provide one of the earliest references to a system of caste division among Hindus.
- The laws laid down in the Vedas ordered strict social segregation with members of different castes not allowed to mix with each other in certain areas.
- The caste system became more rigid over time and those belonging to lower castes could not access education, property or any other form of wealth.
- In ancient India, people were divided into four classes based on occupation - Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (rulers and warriors), Vaishyas (merchants) and Shudras (labourers).
- Every person's role in society was determined by their birth; once born into a specific family or group, it was considered extremely difficult to move out of that class.
- While the caste system has become less prominent in contemporary India, it is still deeply entrenched in some parts of the country as beliefs set forth by the Vedas remain an integral part of Hindu culture.
