Varṇa (Sanskrit: वर्ण, Hindi pronunciation:['ʋəɾɳə]), in the context of Hinduism,[1] refers to a social class within a hierarchical traditional Hindu society.[2][3] The ideology is epitomized in texts like Manusmriti,[1][4][5] which describes and ranks four varnas, and prescribes their occupations, requirements and duties, or Dharma.[1][6]
This quadruple division is a form of social stratification, quite different from the more nuanced system of Jātis, which correspond to the European term "caste".[8]
The varna system is discussed in Hindu texts, and understood as idealised human callings.[9][10] The concept is generally traced to the Purusha Sukta verse of the Rig Veda. In the post-Vedic period, the varna division is described in the Mahabharata,Puranas and in the Dharmashastra literatures.[11]
The commentary on the Varna system in the Manusmriti is often cited.[12] Counter to these textual classifications, many Hindu texts and doctrines question and disagree with the Varna system of social classification.[13]
In India, Communities which belong to one of the four varnas or classes are called savarna Hindus. The Dalits and tribals who do not belong to any varna were called avarna.[14][15][16]