Varna System From The Perspective of Mahabharata and Manusamhita

Abstract

There is a connection as well as a distinction between the two ideas of caste and varna, both of which will be elaborated on in the next sections, respectively. Varna and caste are two distinct methods that are used in India for the purpose of social stratification. Varna and caste are two distinct methods that are used in India for the purpose of social stratification. The two are frequently confused for one another and used in the same way. However, the contrast between the two is extremely significant in the field of sociology. The following could be considered the primary distinctions between the two:

   According to the “chaturvarna doctrine,” there existed four varnas during the Vedic and the post-Vedic period, namely which are of course described before as Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. On the other hand, jatis are innumerable. Varnas have four members, whereas jatis have an infinite number of members. These four varnas symbolized the four-fold divison of the Hindu society that existed at the time, whereas castes can be found in a very large number of different varieties. It is extremely challenging to determine the precise number of castes that are practiced in India. It is common knowledge that India is home to an astounding number of castes and sub castes – over 4,000 in all.

   Membership in a caste is defined by a person’s birth order, but in the varna system, one’s status is denoted by their word. Membership in a caste is determined by a person’s birth order. People are always born into one of two different castes, regardless of whether or not they want to identify with that caste. For instance, Brahmins are born into other Brahmin families, Reddy’s into other Reddy families, Jats into other Jat families, and so on. The Varna social stratification system, which was prevalent during the Vedic period and was based on one’s employment as well as sthe division of labour in society, was in place. Membership in a certain Varna was defined by an individual’s “Karma,” or the occupation that they were pursuing at the time. It was possible that it would be altered. According to the Bhagavad Gita, with reference to the Lord Krishna explained to Arjuna that an individual’s membership in a particular Varna was extremely predicted on the “Guna” in addition to the “karma” of the particular individual. “Varna system was more or less an open system whereas the caste system is regarded as a closed system.” The Varna system was regarded as open because it gave possibilities for the individual to alter the membership of the Varna to which they belonged. As an illustration, a man who once belonged to the Kshatriya Varna has the potential to become a Brahmin. In the same way, a Vaishya has the potential to become a Brahmin or a Kshatriya. Even Shudras had the potential to become Brahmins. Vishwamitra is a good example of someone who started out as a Kshatriya but transitioned into the Brahmin caste later on in life. Vedavyasa, the author of the Mahabharata, was born into a family of fishermen who belonged to the Shudra Varna. Later in life, however, he decided to pursue a career in the Brahmin caste. On the other hand, the caste system is considered to be closed due to the fact that membership in a caste cannot be shifted from one group to another. As a result, practically all of the chances for climbing higher or lower in the organizational hierarchy have been eliminated.

Keywords:- Varna, Jati, Mahabharat, Manusamhita, Hierarchy, System.