The Evolution of The Varna System

Varna System

• Varna System is the historical term used to depict the Caste System in today’s world. The origination of the word “Varna” came from the word “Vri,” which means the choice to choose one’s occupation. 
• Different theories shed their light from various angles on the effects of the Varna system. Some of the theories are Brahmanical Theory (traditional theory) and the Marxist Theory.

• The stratification system evolved gradually during the last phase of the early Vedic age.

The last phase of the Early Vedic Period (1500-1000 BC):

• During the last phase of the Early Vedic age, the four-fold varna division comprising the Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaisya, and Sudra emerged. 
• The only reference of the four-fold varna division is found in the “Purusha Sukta Hymn” in the 10th mandala of Rig Veda.
• This indicates that the system of four-fold varna division had just emerged during the Early Vedic Age and it was yet to be firmly established.
• The varna division was based on a profession of a person, and by changing profession, a person could change varna status.
• Even members of the same family could belong to several varnas because the Varna system was open and adaptable.

Later Vedic Period (1000-600 BC):

During the Later Vedic Period, there were significant changes and developments in the Varna system. The social hierarchy became more rigid, with Brahmins assuming a dominant position as priests and custodians of religious knowledge.

• Brahmanas were supposed to study and teach the Vedas, perform sacrifices and get sacrifices performed, and give and receive gifts.
• Kshatriyas were to engage in warfare, protect people and administer justice, study the Vedas, get sacrifices performed, and make gifts. 
• Vaishyas expected to engage in agriculture, pastoralism and trade. 
• Shudras were assigned only one occupation – that of serving the three “higher” varnas.

The Varna system, in the end, has always been a controversial topic because there were lots of misunderstandings and a lack of scientific proof in multiple theories. Some explained that the effects of the varna system were due to differences in skin colour; some said that the division of the native peoples was based on differences in the background culture between the Aryans and the south Dravidians. Some scholars explain that the cause of this evolution was the undying desire of the Brahmins to gain power over others and enjoy inherent superiority.

The contemporary caste conflicts primarily stem from misinterpretations of the varna system.