Introduktion
The ancient Indian caste system stands as one of humanity's enduring systems of social stratification, steeped in history and intricacy. Delving into its intricacies, the BBC offers insights.

This system, renowned for classifying Hindus into unyielding hierarchical segments contingent on their karma (labor) and dharma (a term signifying religion in Hindi, yet encompassing duty in this context), is widely acknowledged to have persisted for over three millennia

Innehållsförteckning
How did caste come about?
How does caste work?
Is the system legal?
What about job quotas?

Utdrag
Manusmriti, often hailed as the preeminent and authoritative scripture on Hindu law, with origins tracing back at least a millennium before the birth of Christ, "acknowledges and provides rationale for the caste system, which serves as the foundation for societal order and structure."

Within this caste system, Hindus find themselves categorized into four primary groups: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.

Many subscribe to the belief that these divisions can be traced back to Brahma, the Hindu deity responsible for creation.

At the pinnacle of this hierarchical arrangement were the Brahmins, primarily comprising teachers and intellectuals, believed to have originated from Brahma's head.

Following closely were the Kshatriyas, encompassing warriors and rulers, purportedly emerging from Brahma's arms.

The third tier featured the Vaishyas, engaged in trade and commerce, with their origin attributed to Brahma's thighs.

Occupying the lowest rung were the Shudras, deriving from Brahma's feet, typically entrusted with menial tasks.