Hinduism - Who Are Vaishyas?

 


The vaishyas were the third of the four main social groupings (varnas) in ancient Hindu social theory, having less influence than the brahmins and kshatriyas but higher rank than the shudras.

The vaishyas' social role in this kind of society was economic activity, which provided the material foundation for social existence.

This concept is replicated in the Purusha Sukta, which describes the vaishyas as being produced from the Primeval Man's (purusha's) thighs—a common euphemism for the genitals, and therefore the most direct connection with fruition and reproduction.

In reality, the vaishyas regarded jatis (endogamous social groupings, frequently designated by hereditary profession) engaged in a wide range of economic activities, from farming to animal husbandry to various crafts and services.

~Kiran Atma


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