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continued to belong to their respective groups.
The shudras, in course of time, came to be
treated as untouchables. As this development
was not very sudden, some of the untouchables
had taken up other crafts. These crafts were now
included as reserved for shudras. These occupa-
Priests Warriors tions included conducting burials and crema-
tions. The division of society was so rigid that the
priest prohibited even the contact or touch with
these persons, as polluting.
Herders Farmers
Shudras
1. Do you think this treatment of certain categories
Traders
of people was the beginning of caste system in
system gradually became more rigid. The priests India?
divided the society into four groups (varnas). 2. Did this exclusion of certain categories of people
The first was that of Brahmins. They were very from attending the rituals, have to do anything
clever and even gave the duties of each group or with the occupation of the people?
varna. The Brahmins were expected to study and
teach the Vedas, perform sacrifices, and receive Soon, there emerged conflicts within the social
dakshina (gifts). organisation of the people. Some did not favour
The second group was that of Kshatriyas or a change from one caste to another while others
warriors who fought the battles. They were favoured it. Some people also did not accept the
expected to protect to people. varna system, as laid down by the Brahmins. The
The third group was that of Vaishyas or the vish. kings, too, did not like to be considered next in
social hierarchy to the Brahmins. It was that there
Their duties included cultivating land, herding
were many social and political conflicts within the
animals and engaging in trade. All these groups
society. However, there were still many areas in
took part in sacrifices.
the subcontinent like those in the north east
The fourth group was that of Shudras who were
where the influence of the priests was limited.
excluded from the sacrifices. The Shudras per-
There were also no social and economy differ-
formed menial jobs. They were also not allowed
ences, as in the Ganga valley.
to study Vedas. Whether men or women. People
Social Science-6 41
