Today’s Topic of the Day is ‘Varna System’ which is one of the topics in NCERT History textbook Class VI and NCERT textbooks are the prime source to cover UPSC Syllabus for Civil Service Exam. The topic of the Day (ToD) will help the aspirants to know the basic concepts and make their foundation strong while preparing for UPSC IAS Exam.

Reading Topic of the Day will mould the aspirants to prepare for Current affairs in a very effective way and make relevant current affairs notes.

Varna System in Vedic Period 

There were numerous different groups in society at the Vedic Period — clergies and soldiers, agriculturalists, herders, merchants, and laborers. Some clergies and soldiers were rich, as were some peasants and merchants. Others, including many herders, crafts persons, laborers, fishing folk and hunters, and gatherers, were poor. The clergies divided publics into four groups, called Varna. According to that, each Varna had a diverse set of functions.

The first Varna was Brahmin. They were expected to study and teach the Vedas, execute sacrifices and rituals. Kshatriyas were the second Varna. They were likely to fight battles and guard the nation.

The third group was the Vaishyas. They were expected to be farmers, and traders. Both the Kshatriyas and the Vaishyas could do sacrifices. Shudras were the fourth Varna. They are supposed to serve the other three groups. They could not perform any rituals. Frequently, women were also grouped with the Shudras. Both Shudras and women were not allowed to learn the Vedas.

Also see: