UNDERSTANDING THE VARNA SYSTEM: INSIGHTS INTO ANCIENT INDIA’S SOCIAL STRUCTURE

AUTHOR – ANIKA TRIPATHI, STUDENT AT NARSEE MONJEE INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES

BEST CITATION – ANIKA TRIPATHI, UNDERSTANDING THE VARNA SYSTEM: INSIGHTS INTO ANCIENT INDIA’S SOCIAL STRUCTURE, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 4 (4) OF 2024, PG. 943-947, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

INTRODUCTION

During ancient times varna is one of the most important criteria for differentiation or the categorization among the people. In earlier times people were generally identified with the help of their varna only. Varna’s system divides society into various groups, sometimes related to each other. The Varna system is often confused with the caste system but varna is the larger concept and caste is part of the varna system. There have been various debates before and till now on whether the varna system was true or not and whether it is still present or not. This age-old practice, rooted in primeval times, continues to endure in society today. Legend has it that the Aryans arrived in India and organized society based on occupations, laying the foundation for the Varna system. In this, each varna has assigned work and duties. People believe that humans do not make varna but it has a divine origin. Traces of the Varna system can be found in various forms throughout history. This article delves into the concept of Varna, exploring its essence and the divisions within this ancient social framework.