Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Castes explained
This chapter describes the Hindu caste system, its origins according to tradition, the roles and privileges of each caste (Brahmans, Shatriyas, Vaissyas, Sudras), and the extreme degradation of the Pariahs, who fall outside the original pur
What happens
This chapter describes the Hindu caste system, its origins according to tradition, the roles and privileges of each caste (Brahmans, Shatriyas, Vaissyas, Sudras), and the extreme degradation of the Pariahs, who fall outside the original pure classes.
Themes in this chapter
Cultural Transmission and Education
The Brahmans' exclusive privilege to teach the Vedas and their role as keepers of all knowledge illustrates the theme of cultural transmission and education.
Key passages
“The division of the Hindus into classes or castes, with fixed occupations, existed from the earliest times.”
From ancient times, Hindu society has been divided into castes with predetermined occupations.
Introduces the concept of caste as an ancient, fixed social structure.
“From his mouth came forth the eldest born, Brahma (the priest), to whom he confided the four Vedas; from his right arm issued Shatriya (the warrior), and from his left, the warrior’s wife. His thighs produced Vaissyas, male and female (agriculturists and traders), and lastly from his feet sprang Sudras (mechanics and laborers).”
According to tradition, Brahma created the four castes from different parts of his body: priests from his mouth, warriors from his arms, farmers and traders from his thighs, and laborers from his feet.
Describes the mythological origin of the four primary castes.
“The Sudras or fourth class are bound to servile attendance on the higher classes, especially the Brahmans, but they may follow mechanical occupations and practical arts, as painting and writing, or become traders or husbandmen.”
Sudras are required to serve the higher castes, especially Brahmans, but can also work as artisans, traders, or farmers.
Explains the duties and permissible occupations of the Sudra caste.
“There is another class lower even than the Sudras, for it is not one of the original pure classes, but springs from an unauthorized union of individuals of different castes. These are the Pariahs, who are employed in the lowest services and treated with the utmost severity.”
Below the Sudras exists the Pariah class, considered impure because it originates from forbidden inter-caste unions, and they are subjected to the harshest treatment.
Introduces the Pariahs as an outcaste group with severe social restrictions.