๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆintro to sociology review

Five Caste's of Indian Caste System

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025

Definition

The Five Castes of the Indian Caste System represent a social stratification in India that categorizes individuals into hierarchical groups based on birthright and occupation. This system, which has evolved over centuries, includes Brahmins (priests and teachers), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (traders and agriculturists), Shudras (laborers), and Dalits (outcastes or untouchables).