Varna and the Purusha suktha: Historical exploration

 

This article is about individual opinion not hurt anyone feelings just to promote unity.

Caste

I feel "Is caste an identity or a hierarchy? Whenever I see issues regarding caste on TV, I feel people are obsessed with it. How did this come into existence? Though it's not my area of expertise, something within me compels me to understand its origins. I found that 'varna' is the basis for the caste system. You might ask if there were no castes before varna. The answer is yes, there were groups, but hierarchy was absent. Without hierarchy, it wouldn't cause social harm and would promote harmony.

Varna:

When you search for the root of varna, you find the Rigveda, the oldest Veda. Within this extensive text, there's a small chapter or section called the Purusha Sukta. It is important to note that this interpretation of the Purusha sukta is one among many, and that scholars have diverse perspectives on its meaning and historical context but we won't delve into that. Instead, we'll try to understand what it says. The purusha sukta is a very small portion of the rig veda, and therefore, should not be taken as the representation of the entire text.

It states that everything is born from a singularity called Purusha, which you might relate to the Big Bang theory. However, it goes further and reveals something else.

It describes that a cosmic being called Purusha sacrificed his eyes for the creation of the sun and moon. Likewise, when he sacrificed his mouth, the Brahman emerged, associated with knowledge. The Kshatriya emerged from his shoulders, associated with strength and the ability to protect others. The Vaishya emerged from his stomach, associated with trade and business. The Shudra emerged from his legs, associated with service.

That's it.

There is nothing that directly states caste is associated with birth. The original varna system, as described in some interpretations of ancient texts, was intended to be based on aptitude and skill allowing for potential social mobility.  However, the later caste system became rigid and hereditary, severely limiting individual freedom.

One who has knowledge and teaching skills is a Brahman. One who has the strength and mindset for protecting others is a Kshatriya. One who has business skills is a Vaishya. One who has working skills is a Shudra.

This system, as described, is based on skills, and not birth.

It is critical to understand that the varna system as described in ancient texts, is distinct from the later, more rigid and discriminatory caste (jati) system that developed over time. This later system became birth-based, leading to extreme social stratification.we have to note that conveying the incorrect concept which prevent us to understand real concept  this is also plays major role in designing today caste system.

If the above division were executed correctly, a family could potentially have members of all castes. Moreover, a single person can embody all castes. This results in a well-developed and harmonious society. Studying of the root/base will be helpful in understanding true meaning of actual concept.

This article focuses solely on exploring the origins of varna, and its description in ancient texts.