varna (varṇa)
(Language: Sanskrit)
Short Description: Caste; class; the four major social divisions in Hindu society
Long Description: Caste; class; the four major social divisions in Hindu society include (in descending order): brāhmaṇas (priests), kṣatriyas (royals and warriors), vaiśyas (merchants and farmers), and śūdras (servants and laborers); situated outside the caste system are the caṇḍālas (outcastes and “untouchables”) and mlecchas (foreigners and “barbarians”); members of the three upper castes are called “twice-born” (dvijā) and are permitted to study the Vedas.
Sources: Lamp of Non-Dual Knowledge, Cream of Liberation Translated by Swami Sri Ramanananda Saraswathi
