History Ancient India Questions
The caste system in ancient India was a social hierarchy that divided society into distinct groups based on occupation and birth. It was a rigid system that determined a person's social status and opportunities in life. The four main castes were the Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and farmers), and Shudras (laborers and servants). At the bottom of the hierarchy were the Dalits, also known as the untouchables, who were considered impure and performed the most menial tasks. Caste was hereditary, meaning one's caste was determined by birth and could not be changed. The system also enforced strict rules regarding social interactions, marriage, and occupation, with each caste having its own set of privileges and restrictions.