---
title: The Four Castes of Ancient India - The Varna System
author: Simeon Netchev
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19424/the-four-castes-of-ancient-india---the-varna-syste/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
updated: 2025-02-07
---

# The Four Castes of Ancient India - The Varna System

_Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_

## Image File

[![The Four Castes of Ancient India - The Varna System](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/19424.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/19424.png)

## Image Caption

This infographic illustrates the Varna [caste system in ancient India](https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1152/caste-system-in-ancient-india/). First mentioned in the Rig [Veda](https://www.worldhistory.org/The_Vedas/)'s *Purusha Sukta* c. 1200–1000 BCE, it shows society divided into four groups that emerged from the sacrifice of Purusha, a transcendent and immense cosmic being: Brahmins (priests and scholars) from its mouth, Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers) from its arms, Vaishyas (merchants and landowners) from its thighs, and Shudras (laborers and service providers) from its feet. Initially, this system was based on occupation rather than birth. However, it became rigid over time, with varna status inherited. A fifth group, the "Untouchables" (Chandalas), was later added outside of the Varna system, facing severe discrimination and social exclusion.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Netchev, S. (2024, September 10). The Four Castes of Ancient India - The Varna System. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19424/the-four-castes-of-ancient-india---the-varna-syste/>
### Chicago
Netchev, Simeon. "The Four Castes of Ancient India - The Varna System." *World History Encyclopedia*, September 10, 2024. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19424/the-four-castes-of-ancient-india---the-varna-syste/>.
### MLA
Netchev, Simeon. "The Four Castes of Ancient India - The Varna System." *World History Encyclopedia*, 10 Sep 2024, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19424/the-four-castes-of-ancient-india---the-varna-syste/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 10 September 2024. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.