Why do the Vedic scriptures say about different castes?
Answers
.The system of classification, Varna is a system that existed in the Vedic Society that divided the society into four classes Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (skilled traders, merchants), and Shudras (unskilled workers
Vedic Scriptures are none other than the Vedas, Upa - Vedas, Suktas etc. These books actually does not tells about the caste system in early vedic age. But the caste system also known as Varna System was added in 10th mandala of Rig Veda. Purushasukta is a Sukta which describes about the Varna system.
Varna System : The word Varna means "colour". In early vedic age the Varna system refered to the occupation but in later vedic age it was changed into caste system. There are mainly 4 castes in Varna System. They are namely : Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras.
These castes were orginated from the body of Grihapati(Brahma). As, Bahamanas from the head of Brahma, Kshatriyas from the shoulders , Vaishyas from the thighs and Shudras from the feet of Brahma.
Each caste has its on duty :
>> Brahmanas were well educated and they were mainly priests.
>> Kshatriyas were the kings. As, they ruled the kingdoms.
>> Vaishyas were traders and Shudras were low caste people who served the other three castes.