[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.s7.365 # Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s7.365 Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s7.365 - **Language:** English ### [v2.c4.s7.365](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s7.365) The later theory, which appears fully developed in the Dharma Sūtras,¹⁵⁴ deduces the several castes other than the original four from the intermarriage of the several castes. This theory has no justification in the early Vedic literature. In some cases it is obviously wrong; for example, the Sūta is said to be a caste of this kind, whereas it is perfectly clear that if the Sūtas did form a caste, it was one ultimately due to occupation. But there is no evidence at all that the Sūtas, Grāmaṇīs, and other members of occupations were real castes in the sense that they were endogamic in the early Vedic period. All that we can say is that there was a steady progress by which caste after caste was formed, occupation being an important determining feature, just as in modern times there are castes bearing names like Gopāla (‘cowherd’) Kaivarta or Dhīvara (‘fisherman’), and Vaṇij (‘merchant’).¹⁵⁵ - [Previous: v2.c4.s7.364](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s7.364) - [Next: v2.c4.s7.366](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s7.366) - [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.s7.365](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s7.365) · Pramāṇa