Hindu texts classified the society in principle into four varnas:[1][5]

Shudras: laborers and service providers.

Vaishyas: agriculturalists and merchants.[6]

Kshatriyas: rulers, warriors and administrators.

Brahmins: priests, scholars and teachers.

Communities which belong to one of the four varnas or classes are called savarna or "caste Hindus". The Dalits and tribes who do not belong to any varna were called avarna.[7
follower of a "Knowledge based" profession is called a "Brahmin";

A follower of a "Justice / state administration based" profession is called a "Kshatriya";

and a follower of an "finance / economics based" profession is called a "Vaishya".

Anyone who is not following any profession is called a "Shudra".

 

These four classification of human beings are called the four "VARNAS".

 

However, the above are not strict rules but the core rules of classification. There can be many exceptions / inter changeover / etc in the Varnas of people. For example,

 

- A Shudra after he acquires requisite knowledge / experience and devotes himself to any profession acquires the status of a Brahman, Kshatriya or a Vaishya, as the case may be. No shastra prohibts any erson from gaining education or bhakti.

 

- One may at the beginning of the career be working as a manager in a commercial company. He is a Vaishya then. After years of experience he started teaching principles of management in colleges, then he becomes a Brahmin.

 

- A Brahmin's son / daughter would normally have more tendencies to indulge in knowledge based profession and hence become a Brahmin but he choose to go otherwise also. Similarily with others also.

Introduction:
The institution of caste in India is deeply rooted in the varna classification system, which is a social stratification based on occupation and hereditary status. This system has shaped Indian society for centuries and continues to have a significant impact on social relations, opportunities, and mobility.

Explanation:
The varna classification system categorizes society into four main varnas or classes, each with its own set of privileges, duties, and restrictions. These varnas are:

1. Brahmins: The Brahmins are the highest varna and traditionally occupied the role of priests, scholars, and teachers. They were entrusted with the responsibility of preserving and transmitting knowledge, performing religious rituals, and guiding society.

2. Kshatriyas: The Kshatriyas are the warrior class and were responsible for protecting society, governing, and leading in times of war. They held positions of power and authority, including kings, rulers, and military leaders.

3. Vaishyas: The Vaishyas are the merchants, traders, and farmers. They engaged in economic activities such as agriculture, trade, and business. They were responsible for producing wealth and contributing to the economic growth of society.

4. Shudras: The Shudras are the laboring class and were considered to be servants or workers. They performed manual labor, served the higher varnas, and were often discriminated against and marginalized.

Key Points:
- The varna system was based on the belief in the division of labor and the idea that each varna had a specific role to play in society.
- Varna was determined by birth and was considered hereditary, meaning individuals inherited their varna from their parents.
- The varna system was initially intended to be based on merit and personal qualities, but over time, it became rigid and oppressive, leading to the birth-based caste system.
- Each varna had its own set of privileges, rights, and responsibilities. Inter-marriage and social interactions between varnas were discouraged or even forbidden.
- The institution of caste extended beyond the four varnas, with numerous sub-castes, known as jatis, further dividing society based on occupation and social status.
- Caste-based discrimination and social exclusion have been significant challenges in Indian society, affecting access to education, employment, and social opportunities for those belonging to lower castes.
- Efforts have been made in modern times to promote social equality, uplift marginalized castes, and eradicate caste-based discrimination through affirmative action policies and legal measures. However, the impact of caste continues to be deeply ingrained in many aspects of Indian society.

Conclusion:
The varna classification system forms the basis of the institution of caste in India. It has shaped social relations, opportunities, and mobility for centuries. The rigid and hierarchical nature of the caste system has led to discrimination and marginalization of certain groups within society. Efforts are ongoing to address these issues and promote social equality, but the influence of caste continues to be a complex and deeply rooted aspect of Indian society.