General Studies Paper-2 Varna System

4
Chapter's Glimpse
 Meaning of Varna System  Varna System and Position of Women
 The Four Varnas  Memorable Facts
 Difference between Caste and Varna  Probable Questions
 Characteristics of the Caste System in India

Meaning of the Varna System

Varna, according to Hindu scriptures, refers to the classification of people based on their qualities.
The term is derived from the Sanskrit word, Vr, which means "to describe," "to classify" or "to
cover."Varna is classified into four types: Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra.
Varna is the four divisions of society on the basis of labour and inheritance. There are several
passages in the Rig Veda dealing with the origin of the Varnas, generally meaning socio-religious
classes and effectively signifying economic and political status also. The Purusha Sukta in the Rig
Veda says that:
 The Brahman Varna represented the mouth of Purusa (Universal man).
 The Rajana (Kshatriya) his arms.
 The Vaishya his thighs.
 The Shudra his feet.
During the Vedic period, the institution of Varna was a system of division of labor and was not
hereditary (like caste system). There were no restrictions as regards particular occupations for
persons belonging to a particular Varna. Thus a person born as a Brahmana could take the occupation
of a physician without thereby anyway degrading his social status.
Example: A Brahmana Rishi says:“I am a poet; my father is a physician, my mother a grinder of
corn.” With our different views, seeking after gain, we ran after cattle. Food and drink was also usual
& common to all the Varnas. Replay In the post-Vedic period, the Varna division is described in the
Dharmashastra literature, the Mahabharata and in the Puranas.
During this time, caste percolates into Varna system and Varna system acquires features of
caste. Inter-dining and inter-marriages between different castes were precluded; the division of
labor becomes hereditary. The first three Varnas are described in the Dharmashastras as “twice
born” and they are allowed to study the Vedas. Such a restriction of who can study Vedas is not
found in the Vedic era literature.
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This Varna system has been considered as the foundation of Indian social system. However,
in most societies around the world, the basis of social stratification has been considered as 'class',
whereas in India the system of 'Varna and caste' has existed since ancient times. It is believed that a
new production system developed as a result of agricultural development in Indian society, for which
division of labour was required for its operation and as a result the caste system emerged in the
society. These social Varnas born on the basis of labour and occupation were called Brahmins,
Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. The edification of religious activities and knowledge was
considered as the Varna-Dharma of the Brahmins. Similarly, the work of administration and power
was considered as the Varna dharma of the Kshatriyas, the work of economic production and
distribution for the Vaishyas and the work of manual labor and service for the Shudras.
Being based on occupation, the Varna system was not rigid. But over time it became quite
harsh. The caste system which was based on karma in the past gradually became based on birth. The
different Varnas separately formed a broad circle. The possibility of inter-caste relations between
the Varnas was completely lost and due to the rigidity of customs, that is, due to the lack of social
flexibility, the Varna system had to face the challenge of movements like Buddhism and Jainism in
the course of time.
Objectives of the Varna System
The Varna System was established on the basis of religion and duties; hence its objectives are as
follows:
 Establishment of social order.
 To provide livelihood for all.
 Clear division of labour.
 To evaluate the individual’s abilities appropriately.
 Maintaining the balance of power.

Theory related to the origin of Varna-system

Various types of ideas have been given by scholars regarding the origin of the Varna system.
According to some scholars, the Varna system was born in the Aryans even before coming to India,
but on the other hand some scholars are of the opinion that there was no Varna system in the Aryan
society. In the beginning, when they came to India, Dravid etc. due to the influence of castes, the
caste-system and varna-system developed in them. Following are the principles related to the origin
of the Varna system-
 Divine Principle: This theory is the oldest theory related to the origin of Varna system.
According to this principal, this system is divine and has been going on since time immemorial.
In ancient religious scriptures like- Rigveda, Manusmriti, Vishnu Purana, Gita and
Upanishads, such indications have been given at many places, which shows that the four Varnas
have been originated by God. According to the Purusha Sukta of the Rig-Veda, Brahmin was
born from the mouth of the Virat purush, Kshatriya form his arms, Vaishyas from his
thighs and Shudras from his feet.
 Principle of Division of Labour: According to this theory, a system of social stratification is
created which is based on the virtue and karma of the individual. This principle is most clearly
expounded in the Bhagavad-Gita, where Shri Krishna says - 'Chaturvarna Maya Srastam
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Guna Karma Vibhagashah' means I have divided the four Varnas on the basis of guna and
karma. By this statement it is clear, that the Varna system is such a system of social
stratification, which is based on the qualities and deeds of the individual and under which there is
a functional division of the society into four Varnas. As per this theory, human beings have to
carry out various functions of the society according to their Varna system.
 Principle of Quality: According to this theory, human gets the character according to his
qualities. According to the Gita, human beings have three main qualities- Satva, Raja and
Tama. The characteristics of Satva Guna are peace, knowledge, tenacity and pure conduct. Raja
Guna is characterized by activity, royalty, enthusiasm to earn wealth and fame and the features of
Tama Guna is ego and laziness. Thus, a person with satvik qualities become a Brahmin, person
with royalty become a kshatriya, a person with royal and tamasi virtues become a Vaishya and a
person with Tamasi qualities become a Shudra.
 Principle of Origin Related to Colour: Varna also has a meaning ‘colour’. In the Rig Vedic
period, the meaning of Varna was taken as colour. According to Mahabharata, the colours of
Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras are described as white, red, yellow and black
respectively. This principle is also known as ‘Principle of Mahabharata’.
Theory related to the origin of
Varna-system
Divine Principle

Principle of Division of
Labour

Principle of Quality

Principle of Origin related

to Colour

Characteristics of the Varna System (Add chart)

 Based upon Karma: The membership of Varna was based on one’s karmas (actions) and not on
the Janma (birth). Originally there was only one Varna; either it could be designated as Brahmana
or Shudra. But later on, for earning the livelihood, when people adopted different functions, there
emerged the four Varnas.
 Division of Labour: The duties of people were divided into four main parts in view of every
one’s progress and all were given full opportunity to acquire efficiency and perfection in their
spheres. Thus the division of labour led to mutual cooperation in society.
 Encouragement to Specialization: Since the Varna system was based upon one’s ability,
qualities and the capabilities, having an apt temperament, the people could feel more interested in
doing their work with full interest and zeal. Thus it could naturally lead them toward achieving
specialization.

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 Strictness of the Rules: Since the rules prescribed for different Varnas were required to be
followed strictly by the people, there couldn’t develop any mutual jealousies on inter-group basis.
The Varna of a man was to be decided by his Karma. This policy led to balanced working in the
society. There was no question of superiority or inferiority among the people.
 Division of Privileges and Power Balancing- Since the Varna system provided the rights and
privileges distinctly to all, on the Varna basis, nobody could think of snatching away the rights
and privileges, of others. Those entitled to having landed property and taking up cultivation could
not be disturbed or intervened by others. The Kshatriyas had the sole right to looking after the
administrative system and could freely do the needed activities for the purpose.
 The Traditional Occupation: In the Varna system, people could automatically be granted the
right to adopt their traditional occupation by inheritance. Every occupation or job was prescribed
to various Varnas on the basis of their Gunas. Thus the uncertainties of life and the occupation to
be followed up were removed.
Merits of the Varna System
1. Fulfillment of Social Needs: Since the duties of all the Varnas were clearly assigned along with
the origin of the system itself, it could be easily possible for the Varnas to extend maximum help
to the society in the fulfillment of its common needs.
2. Division of Labour: People according to the capability and the circumstances of every person.
All could get full opportunity to acquire perfection in their work.
3. Division of Rights and Balance of Power: Those enjoying privilege of learning and acquiring
knowledge, were not given the right to rule or to acquire the property, land etc. The rulers were
not given sole right on land and other property. Thus, by diversifying the power and not allowing
it to concentrate in few hands, the Varna system was well-balanced.
4. Encouragement to Uniformity: The Varna system was based upon uniformity and equality. In
it, no Varna was presumed to be superior or interior to the others. Rather the work of all the
Varnas was given equal importance. Thus there has been no discrimination or inequality among
people on Varna basis.
5. Helpful in Maintaining the Purity of Blood: Though the purity of blood on Varna basis may
not be guaranteed in total, yet it might be said that enough endeavor in purity of blood could be
taken up. All the Varnas were given full rights and they were fully authorized to maintain their
purity of blood. It might mostly be due to some marital restrictions too as applicable and existing
in force among various Varnas.
6. Arrangement of livelihood for all - Due to the system of caste, the achievement of work for
livelihood became easy for every person living in the society.
7. Proper Evaluation of Capabilities- The basis of Varna is not birth but abilities and abilities.
Due to this, only the responsibilities according to the abilities and abilities that each person
possessed were entrusted to them by the society.
8. Development of personality through competition-Varna system was an open system.
Opportunities were available for a person to change his character accordingly by acquiring the
best ability and ability. Due to this system, there was always a tendency to develop the best

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abilities and capabilities in the individual. This tendency certainly helped in the development of
his personality.
9. Development of social harmony due to interdependence- No Varna was self-sufficient, so
mutual dependence helped in strengthening the social organization by generating cooperation
between the Varnas.
10. Freedom from conflict - Due to the attainment of Varna on the basis of abilities and capabilities,
no resentment was found in the person towards his position and role. He considered it preferable
to accept the responsibilities entrusted to him. This situation helped in saving the members of the
society from the situation of mutual conflict.
Merits of the Varna System
Fulfillment of Social Needs

Division of Labour

Division of Rights and Balance of Power

Encouragement to Uniformity

Helpful in Maintaining the Purity of Blood

Arrangement of livelihood for all

Proper Evaluation of Capabilities

Development of personality through competition

Development of social harmony due to
interdependence
Freedom from Conflict

Demerits of Varna System

 Unequal Distribution of Labour and Wealth: Under the Varna-System, each person was
entrusted with the responsibility optimizing his abilities and competencies, each person could not
get compensation for his labour, such as comparing the work of a Brahmin with a Shudra. We
find that the Brahmin was given more money for minimum manual labour and Shudra was given
less money for more maximum manual labour.
 Uneven Social Prestige: In the early period of the development of Varna system, the condition
of all classes was same, but gradually based on the importance of work, a sense of high and low
was spread among them. The Brahmins and sometimes the Kshatriyas became of the highest
prestige, while the Vaishyas attained the third prestige and the Shudras the lowest.

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 In practice, change of characters is prohibited: Due to stratification of high-low level
developed in the Varna system, entry from one Varna to another was not comfortable and smooth
despite changes in abilities and competencies.
 Development of Caste System: Eventually, the Varna system lost its original form and
changed into the caste system.
 Stringent rules for encroachment of Varna: The attempt to change Varna has also put a
question mark over the safety of classes. As a result, strict rules were made by all classes to
protect their character. For example, rituals were incorporated into religion by Brahmins whose
execution would not have been possible without the help of Brahmins.
 Development of Varna Discrimination- In an effort to provide stability to the Varnas, not only
the membership of the Varna was made based on birth, but the rule of marrying within one's own
Varna was also made mandatory. Apart from this, a system of complex rules regarding eating and
drinking and social cohabitation was implemented.
Demerits of Varna System
Unequal Distribution of Labour
and Wealth
Uneven Social Prestige
In practice, change of
characters is prohibited
Development of Caste System
Stringent rules for
encroachment of Varna
Development of Varna
discrimination
The Four Varnas
In our Dharmashastras, a detailed discussion of the four Varna system has been given. Each Varna's
rights, duties, rules-prohibitions, rituals, etc. have been enunciated. The four Varnas are as follows-

The Four Varnas

Brahmanas Kshatriyas Vaishyas Shudras

Brahmanas (Priests, Teachers, and Intellectuals)

The brahmanas provide education and spiritual leadership. They determine the vision and values
of any society. Traditionally their basic needs were fulfilled so that they could dedicate themselves to
their spiritual tasks. They are expected to live very frugally. The duties of Brahmanas are:
 To study and teach the Vedas.
 To perform sacrifice and religious ceremonies, and teach others how to perform such rituals.

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 To accept alms and also give in charity.
 To offer guidance, especially to the Kshatriyas.
 To provide medical care and general advice free of charge.
 To know Brahman (spirit, the self, God).
 To never accept paid employment.
 To develop all ideal qualities, especially honesty, integrity, cleanliness, purity, austerity,
knowledge and wisdom.
Kshatriyas (Warriors, Police and Administrators)
The Kshatriyas are the nobility, the protectors of society. Though permitted a number of privileges,
they are expected to display considerable strength of body and character.
'kkS;Zrstks /`frnkZ{;a ;q¼s pkI;iyk;ue~
nkueh'ojHkko'p {kk=kadeZLoHkkotue~
('kwjohjrk] rst] /eZ] n{krk] ;q¼ ls u Hkkxuk] nkunsukrFkkLokfeHkfDr
j[kuk)
The duties of Kshatriyas are:
 To protect the citizens from harm, especially women, children, cows, brahmanas, and the elderly.
 To ensure that the citizens perform their prescribed duties and advance spiritually.
 To be the first into battle and never to flee the battlefield.
 To be true to their royal word.
 To never refuse a challenge.
 To develop noble qualities such as power, chivalry, and generosity.
 To levy taxes (from the Vaishyas only) and to never accept charity under any circumstances.
 To take counsel, especially from the brahmanas.
 To know the scriptures, especially the artha-shastras.
 To deal uncompromisingly with crime and lawlessness.
 To take responsibility for shortcomings in their kingdom.
 To conquer their own minds and senses and to enjoy only according to scriptural injunction.
 To beget an heir.

Vaishyas (Farmers, Merchants and Business People)

The Vaishyas are the productive class. They and the two Varnas (mentioned above) are called twice-
born, indicating that they accept the sacred thread (symbolizing spiritual initiation) and must perform
certain rituals and rites of passage.
i'kwuka j{k.kankufeT;kè;;uesopA
of.kDiFkadqlhna p oS';L; Ñf"kesopAA
(i'kqikyu] nkunsuk] ;K djuk] lkfgR; dkvè;;u] O;kikj]
lkgwdkjh ,oaÑf"kdk;Zdjuk)
The duties of Vaishyas are:
 To protect animals (especially cows), and the land.
 To create wealth and prosperity.
 To maintain workers with abundant food, clothes, etc.
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 To trade ethically.
 To give taxes to the kshatriyas (ruling class).

Shudras (Artisans and Workers)

The shudras are the only section of society allowed to accept another’s employment; other Varnas are
occupationally and financially self-sufficient. The duties of shudras are:
 To render service to others.
 To take pride in their work and to be loyal.
 To follow general moral principles, (e.g. not to steal).
 To marry (the only compulsory rite of passage).

Difference between Caste and Varna

The following are the main differences between Caste and Varna systems of India’s social
organization:
 Both the terms indicate two different meanings. Prabhut has expressed that ‘Jaati’ (caste) has
emerged from Sanskrit word ‘Jan’, meaning thereby the Janma (birth), but Varna has originated
from ‘Vri’ referring to choice or selection, i.e. choosing an occupation. ‘Varna’ also is
indicative of ‘colour’ or complexion ofpeople.
 The basis of Varna system was Karma (actions), i.e. one who worked under a particular
occupation was according treated as the members of that Varna. Contrary to it, in caste (Jaati) the
birth was an important element. A person could enjoy superior or inferior position on the basis of
his caste. He may perform any type of actions (Karma), yet his ‘Jaati’ (caste) shall be based on
birth.
 The difference is also significant from the point of view of the number of groups. In the Varna
system, the whole organization of society was divisible into only four major categories, i.e.
Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra. But, as against it, the caste system is India is
divisible into more than three thousand castes and sub-castes.
 In the Varna system, there was no restriction of marital relationships and besides endogamy, the
Varna exogamy too was permissible, of course, subject to the condition of Anuloma
(hypergamy) as against it, in caste system a person can’t marry even in another sub-caste, except
his own. Those violating the rule were boycotted from caste.
 There is openness in the Varna system than caste, that is, a person of one Varna could take the
membership of another Varna on effort, but it is impossible in the caste, caste change is
impossible even after trying.
 The Varna system also recognizes the endogamous system, that is, Brahmins, Kshatriyas,
Vaishyas and Shudras could marry any caste, but in the caste system, the endogamous system is
prohibitive.
 Under the Varna system, all people have equal opportunities for progress, but under the caste
system, due to high and low, people of all castes have not been given equal opportunities for
progress, and their different limits have been fixed.
Caste (Jati)
 Jati, meaning birth, is mentioned much less often in ancient texts, where it is clearly distinguished
from Varna. There are four Varnas but thousands of Jatis. The jatis are complex social groups
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that lack universally applicable definition or characteristic, and have been more flexible and
diverse than was previously often assumed.
 According to Mazumdar & Madan: 'Caste is a closed class' i.e. class refers to people based on
property, business, and occupation i.e. one can't change his own caste system by can change the
class system & can be a member of many classes at the same time.
 According to Charles Coole:"When a class is somewhat strictly hereditary, we may call it a
caste."
Characteristics of the Caste System in India
 Social Hierarchy: In caste system, Hierarchy is found & the Brahmins are at the highest level &
the Shudras are the lowest and therefore are the untouchables.
 Restriction on Food: In the caste system there is restriction in the food too. The members of the
higher caste can't take food from the lower caste.
 Based on Birth: Birth is the determinant factor of caste system. Once born in a caste he has to
remain the same. Status, position prestige is fixed according to his caste.
 Occupational Restriction &Hereditary Occupation: Your occupation is fixed by your caste. A
black smith son will always be a black smith.
 Untouchability: In Indian caste system shudras and out castes are considered to be untouchables.
In certain times of day even seeing a shudra is considered to be unlucky. Even if shadow of a low
caste falls on a Brahmin, latter is said to have been unfortunate.
 Hereditary: Caste status of an individual is determined strictly by his heredity, i.e. the caste into
which one is born. No amount of personal accomplishments or efforts can alter his caste status.
 Endogamy: Members of the caste have to marry within their own caste only. Inter-caste
marriages are prohibited. It is one of the main reasons for the persistence of the caste system.
Recent Changes in the Caste System
There are many factors responsible for disintegrating the caste system. Along with the speedy
industrialization, the caste system is gradually declining, with the emergence of various classes. Many
restrictions of the caste are by-and-by getting loosened and this old social institution has already lost
much of it’s originally, now-a-days seen in quite a different and much changed form. Briefly
speaking, the main changes in the caste maybe described as follows:
 Loosening of the Marital Norms: In the caste system, the careful following or observing of the
marriage restrictions, is very necessary, But the modern people don’t hesitate in taking recourse
to the inter-caste marriages also. In the today’s Hindu society, we find many examples of such
marriages. The re-marriage of widows is not looked down upon; the increased age of marriage
indicates the tendency from child marriage to the late marriages. People now don’t believe
much in the concepts of Gotra etc.
 Changes in Food-and-Drink Norms: Many restrictions with regard to food and drinks were
prevalent in the caste system which have become loosened enough these days. Almost all the
people use the water from pipes. On the railway stations, the water-suppliers are mostly the
Shudras. In the hotels, the food taken, and in the restaurants, the tea and breakfast taken are also
indicative of the looseness in the restrictions or the prescribed caste-norms.

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 Changes in the Occupational Restraints: In the caste system there was a definite, rather fixed
occupation for everyone. It was transmitted from one generation to the otheralong with the
cultural transmission. No one could take up or follow the occupation prescribed for any other
caste. Moreover, the members of higher castes could not even dream of switching over to the jobs
of lower castes or of Sudras. But now-a-days, the situation is altogether different and totally
altered. Now, the restraint of following compulsorily the same traditional occupation of the
forefathers, is not binding upon the members of any caste.
 Changes in Socio-Religious Disabilities: Formerly from both the social and religious angles of
vision, the Shudras were held in a very low and inferior position in the caste- hierarchy.
Likewise, on the contrary, the Brahmanas were occupying very respectable and prestigious
position, quite high and superior status in Hindu society. This discrimination is almost
disappearing these days from both the social and religious points of view, in modern-society, the
Brahmanas and Shudras have come to almost the same level of equality.
Varna System and Position of Women
 Despite the life order being arranged for all kinds of people, by the end of the Vedic period, many
began to deflect and disobey their primary duties. As a large Varna populace became difficult to
handle, the emergence of Jainism propounded the ideology of one single human Varna and
nothing besides. Many followed the original Varna rules, but many others, disapproving opposing
beliefs, formed modified sub-Varnas within the primary four Varnas. This process, occurring
between 700 CE and 1500 CE, continues to this day, as India is now home to a repository of the
primary four Varnas and hundreds of sub-Varnas, making the original four Varnas merely
‘umbrella terms’ and perpetually ambiguous.
 It is remarkable that the taxes, while elaborating the birth based duties and privileges of the men
of the four Varnas, are silent on the status of women. Women, generally undifferentiated by
Varna, were ascribed a range of roles from serving the husband to performing domestic and
agricultural work, but virtually negligible ritual role. Indeed, the very creation of women is
missing from the Rigveda creation hymn that only describes the birth of men of different Varnas
from the limbs of one primeval or divine man. In other words, why there is no feminine
counterpart “Stree-Sukta” as it were to the Purusha-Sukta in the Vedic texts? Why women as
an undifferentiated category, like the Shudra men, were not permitted to undergo the initiation
rite of upanayana, but unlike the Shudra men, ascribed no Varna-specific roles or duties and
entitlements?
 The analysis of Dharmashastra provides the answer. These texts not only legitimized the divine
origin of the Varna system, but also the patriarchal domination on all women whose specific
Varna identity or status thus became irrelevant to their general subordination to men. The seeds
of gender and caste hierarchies we sown at the time, but their interlinkages are not easily visible.
 Women of all Varnas were socially marginalized and discriminated just like the Shudras. The
Shudras and women had no rights or entitlements apart from duties. Women were slaves inside
the household while Shudra were by birth slave both inside and outside the household.
 In the Vedic times, the women had to face a world full of paradoxes. Women enjoyed high status
in early Vedic culture and later it got deteriorated in the later Vedic period. They were allowed to

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organize 'Swayambar' and they could choose their significant partner in that Swayambar.
However, women lead a miserable wedded life as their spouses were allowed to have more than
one wife. The men from privileged societies of the old Indian culture followed polygamy.
Women were married after the age of 16. Also, they had considerable freedom in terms of
choosing their matrimonial partner.
 Manu, the father of Indian Political Theory, describes the position of women of Vedic age as a
place of reliance and subordination. The classical political literature Arthashastra confirms that
extensive limitations were placed on the development of women in the society. In terms of
education, all unmarried women had to study. Several female saints of the Vedic period like
Maitrayi, Ghosa, Gargi, and Vak, were highly skilled and learned as they composed complex
Vedic stanzas for hymns. There are several verses in the Vedas that proves that women had the
right to education. As a wife, women were given affection and respect and as a mother, she was
considered a figure of profound reverence. They were held in higher respect in India than in any
other ancient countries. It will not be wrong to say that women enjoyed a much greater freedom
and higher status in the Vedic period than in later India.
 In the post-Vedic age, the status of women had started degenerating due to several factors. Child
marriage began in the Smriti age and the self-immolation practice called Sati started in the
medieval period. Till the time Mughal period started, a number of problems arose for the Hindu
women. We can clearly see that as the time passed, the conditions of women became worse.
Memorable Facts
Varna System  Principle of Quality
 Principle of Origin related to Colour
 The division of karma based on one’s
ability is called Varna system. Characteristics of Varna System
 The system through which a person  Based upon Karma
performs karma on the basis of his work  Division of Labour
capacity is called Varna system.  Encouragement to Specialization
 Based on labour and occupation, these  Strictness of the Rules
social Varnas were called- Brahmins,  Division of Privileges and Power
Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras.  The Traditional Occupation
Objective of Varna System Merits of the Varna System
 Establishment of organized social order.  Fulfillment of Social Needs
 To provide livelihood for all.  Division of Labour
 Clear division of labour.  Division of Rights and Balance of Power
 To evaluate the individual’s abilities  Encouragement to Uniformity
appropriately.  Helpful in Maintaining the Purity of Blood
 Maintaining the balance of power.  Arrangement of livelihood for all
Theory of origin related to Varna  Proper Evaluation of Capabilities
 Development of personality through
System
competition
 Divine Principle
 Principle of Division of Labour
NIRMAN IAS GWALIOR 11 By SANJAY GUPTA
General Studies Paper-2 Varna System
 Development of social harmony due to person makes an important contribution in
interdependence building society by following his Varna
 Freedom from conflict religion.
Demerits of Varna System  People of all classes accept their respective
functions and liberate themselves from the
 Unequal Distribution of labour and wealth
competition. This creates an atmosphere of
 Uneven Social Prestige
peace and cooperation in the society and
 In practice, change of characters is
each Varna proves helpful in social
prohibited
progress.
 Development of Caste System
 Person follows his responsibilities towards
 Stringent rules for encroachment of Varna
family, community, society and country on
 Development of Varna discrimination
the basis of Varna religion.
Contribution of Varna System in  Under the Varna system, a person’s life was
maintaining Indian Society and spent in a planned manner and
Culture simultaneously the development of family,
 By following the Varna System, both the society and country.
individual and the society progress. A
Probable Questions
1. Very Short Questions
 What is the Varna System?
 How did the Varna System originate?
 What are the various theories of the origin of the Varna System?
 What is the basis of the Caste System?
 What is the importance of the Caste System?
 What are the defects of the Varna System?
 Objectives of the Varna System.
 Characteristics of the Varna System.
 State the drawbacks of the Varna System.
 Explain the importance of Varna System.
 How many parts the Varnashrama System divided?
 Explain the duties of Brahmin Varna.
 Explain the duties of Kshatriya Varna.
 Which Varna had the contribution of increasing the wealth and prosperity of the country?
 Theory of Karma of the Origin of the Varna System.
2. Short Questions
 Comment on the Varna System.
 How did the Varna System originate?
 What are the various theories of the origin of the Varna System?
 What is the basis of the Varna System?
 What is the importance of the Varna System?

NIRMAN IAS GWALIOR 12 By SANJAY GUPTA

General Studies Paper-2 Varna System
 Write the features of the Varna System.
 Explain the contribution of Varna system in maintaining Indian society and culture.
 Explain the duties of Brahmin Varna.
 Define Vaishya and Shudra according to the Varna System.
 Explain the difference between Varna and Caste.
 What are the defects of the Varna System?
 “The basis of the division of Varna was karma not birth”. Comment.
 Write the features of the Varna System.

3. Long Questions
 What do you understand by Varna System? Write briefly the principles related to the origin of
characters.
 Write the types of Varnas and explain the social importance of Varna System.
 Pointing to the demerits of the Varna system, explain how the Varna System transformed into a
caste without preserving its original form.
 What is the Varna System called? What are its features?
 What are the ideologies related to the origin of the four Varnas in the Varna System? Explain.
 Explain the importance of Varna System in Indian Culture; throw light on its shortcomings.
 Explain the meaning of Varna and describe the merits and demerits of Varna system.
 Write a short essay on Varna system.
 Explain Varna system sociologically and how Varna is different from caste?
 Give the definitions of Varna and State its characteristics.
 Explain the importance of Varna system in Hindu social organization.
 Examine how the transformation of the Varna system from Rig Vedic to later Vedic period
affected the position of women. (UPSC Mains History Optional 2019)
 What are the changes in the cultural and structural aspects of the caste system since
independence? (UPSC Mains Sociology Optional 2017)
 Discuss the characteristics of the Caste System in India.
(UPSC Mains Anthropology optional 2020)

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NIRMAN IAS GWALIOR 13 By SANJAY GUPTA