All posts in this series
- Caste by Birth
- Origin of Varna System
- Diversity in Creation
- Can Varna be Determined by Karma?
- Inherent Qualities and Exceptions
- Adhikara and Karma
- Varna in Horoscope
- Roles of Different Varnas
- Rights of Different Varnas
- Harms of The Reservation System
- Arya Samaj & Buddhist View
- Does Bhagavan Have a Varna?
- Balanced Population through Varnashrama System
Here is a brief overview of the traditional roles that are assigned to various varnas or castes as shared by Pujyapad Puri Shankaracharyaji.
Brahmin:
They are expected to study vedas and contemplate on the Supreme Truth. A brahmin must have qualities like piousness, tranquillity, penance, and desire to offer charity. He must be enthusiastic about performing agnihotra. With intellectual strength and austerities, a brahmin must revive and bring back knowledge that has been lost over time. He must be capable of purifying knowledge that has been polluted. The role of teachers, educators, lawyers would fit the role of brahmins in current times.
Kshatriya:
They must be keen on war for dharma or righteousness. Only kshatriyas have the right to rule. They must protect brahmins and all others. To run away from war is the opposite of the dharma of a kshatriya. They must defend all that is important and respectable and have no hesitation in the use of arms if the opportunity arises. Ruling society in a balanced way, as per dharma is “kshatra dharma”. The army and police roles would be suited to kashtriyas.
Vaishya:
Agriculture, cow protection, and business is the dharma of vaishyas. They are the creators of wealth. The large industries, businesses and agricultural and animal husbandry would be their department.
Shudra & Antyaja:
They are too, the creators of wealth. Providing care for society and offering services is the dharma of shudras. Running industries, cottage industries and providing various types of other services is the supreme dhrama of shudras. From running small industries to the entire service providing sector would apply to shudras.
Varnasankara:
If someone is born out of the marriage between two different castes, his assigned role is of engaging in small cottage industries and business.
Soot:
The word “soot” is used to describe the jati of the child born out of a marriage between a brahmin woman and a kshatriya man. The traditional role is that of riding a chariot, etc. They would come in the category of shudras like other varnasankara pertaining to rights and roles. Managing the cultural affairs is the role of a soot jati person in the cabinet of ministers as per Mahabharata.
It is to be noted that there are regional differences in the roles of certain varnas/jatis. These should be respected. However, they must be followed as per the old tradition of their respective ancestors and not for convenience or benefits like reservations, etc.
In a situation of war or threat, all varnas, people in every stage of life (all ashramas) and both genders can take up arms and live with a spirit of kshatra dharma.