Question

1. Identify the varnas.
2. Discuss the caste system
in the Later Vedic Period​

Answer 1

Answer:

1. Bhramins

2. Varna in Sanskrit means colour and the caste system was probably used to distinguish the fair colored Aryans from the darl coloured natives. The people of higher castes (Brahmins, Khatriyas, and Vishyas) were Aryans. The dark skinned natives were the sudras, the lowest class in society, whose duty was to serve the higher classes.

In the beginning, the class system was not rigid. But in the later Vedic period it became rigid when the Brahmins and the kshatriyas became powerful and the vaishyas were made to pay tributes. The sudras became miserable and began to be treated as untouchables.

The caste system, in those days had some advantages. It reduced friction within the society. Marriages within the caste reduced maladjustments in family life. It ensured continuity of occupation as the sons usually followed the fathers occupation. This reduced unemployment and brought about perfection of several arts and crafts. Furthermore, since the caste system was based on the principle of division of labor, the Aryans were able to establish and maintain a sound economy.

But soon caste system became a social evil. It suppressed an individual's talent and became an obstacle for his personal development. It gave rise to untouchability and acted against the feeling of common brotherhood. Because of the mutual jealousies among the various castes, the Hindu society disintegrated and fell an easy prey to foreign invaders and alien religions.

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Answer 2

The varna system in dharma-shastrasdivides thesociety into four varnas(brahmins,kshatriyas,vaishyas and shudras)

Explanation:

Those who fall out of this system because of this grievous sins are ortracised as out castes (untouchables) and considered outside the varna system