[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Vedic Index of Names and Subjects](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912) › v2.c4.s7.1346 # Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s7.1346 Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s7.1346 - **Language:** English ### [v2.c4.s7.1346](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s7.1346) It is denied by Fick¹³ that the Vaiśyas were ever a caste, and the denial is certainly based on good grounds if it is held that a caste means a body within which marriage is essential, and which follows a hereditary occupation (\*cf.\* Varṇa). But it would be wrong¹⁴ to suppose that the term Vaiśya was merely applied by theorists to the people who were not nobles or priests. It must have been an early appellation of a definite class which was separate from the other classes, and properly to be compared with them. Moreover, though there were differences among Vaiśyas, there were equally differences among Kṣatriyas and Brāhmaṇas, and it is impossible to deny the Vaiśyas' claim to be reckoned a class or caste if the other two are such, though at the present day things are different. - [Previous: v2.c4.s7.1345](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s7.1345) - [Next: v2.c4.s7.1347](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s7.1347) - [Up: v2.c4.s7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s7) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s7.1346](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s7.1346) · Pramāṇa