Varnashrama dharma

• Varnas and Varnashrama dharma

  • The varnas are 4 social classes or groups which Hindus were traditionally born into 
  • Varnashrama dharma is the system of organising society that brings together the varnas (social groups) , ashramas (4 stages of life) and dharma (a person’s duty)
• How varnas worked in the past

  • The Hindu scriptures organised people into varnas
  • It was thought everyone had a role to play , and everyone was dependent upon everyone else to make things runs smoothly 
  • The original system of varna allowed for people to move between social groups , and it was based on suitability for a certain type of work
• How Hindu varnas had changed over time

  • Over time the system became more hereditary  
  • A person would be born into a particular group , and so the caste system developed 
  • People who did not belong to any groups were known as outcastes and were treated very badly
• The varnas today

  • Traditions about varna are still strong in some villages in India 
  • Many Hindus , particularly younger people , do not feel strongly about varna tradition 
  • Today , many Hindus disagree with caste practices and even the system of the four varnas 
  • It is now illegal to treat outcastes and lower classes unfairly
• The 4 varnas

  • Brahmins - priests 
  • Kshatriyas - warriors 
  • Vaishyas - business people 
  • Shudras - employed by others
• Brahmins (Priests)

  • Their role is to interpret the scriptures and perform sacrifices 
  • Other people that are a part of this group include teachers , thinkers and doctors
• Kshatriyas (Warriors)

  • Their role is to defend people by fighting if needed
  • Other people that are a part of this group include those who governed and those who kept law and order
• Vaishyas (Business people)

  • Their role is to keep the economy going 
  • Other people that are a part of this group include those who made money and those who owned land
• Shudras (Employed by people)

  • Their role is to support other groups
  • Other people that are a part of this group include craftsman , artists and musicians
• Changes in the way varnashrama dharma is viewed

  • In the UK today , most Hindus mix together without the  prejudices associated with caste 
  • Although , some Hindu parents may want their children to marry within their varna  
  • Whatever role a Hindu takes in life, they will apply the main idea of varnashrama dharma - fulfilling their own duty (dharma)