History of Mediaeval Hindu India (being a History of India from 600 to 1200 A.D.) v1.c8.4

v1.c8.4

“There are four orders of hereditary caste distinctions. The first is that of the Brahmins, they keep their principles and live continently, strictly observing ceremonial purity. The second order is that of the Kshatriyas, the race of kings. This order has held sovereignty for many generations and its aims are benevolence and mercy. The third order is that of the Vaisyas or the class of traders, who barter commodities and pursue gains far and near. The fourth order is that of the Śūdras or agriculturists. These toil at cultivating the soil and are industrious at sowing and reaping. These four castes form classes of various degrees of ceremonial purity. The members of a caste marry within the caste. Relations by the father's or mother's side do not inter-marry and a woman never contracts a second marriage." Here is a vivid description of Indian caste in the first half of the seventh century, A. D., recorded by an intelligent foreign observer who lived among the people and understood their language. Indian caste as we have observed elsewhere is based on both race and occupation. Both the factors are important and we shall discuss them here in detail.