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.
