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Caste System under Hindu Kingdoms
Caste System under Hindu kingdoms followed the traditional system of four Varnas but not with much rigidity as seen in previous ages.

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During the early medieval period the relations between all the castes were very cordial and marriages could also take place between them. The caste of an issue was determined according to that of his or her father. India presents a progressive society as compared with the later period of the Medieval Age.

Brahmans were respected the most. They specialised in learning and knowledge. They were also the advisers or the ministers of the king. They were engaged mainly in study, teaching, performing sacrifices and charitable functions. The spread of Buddhism reduced their power. Brahmans were now engaged in business, trade, and also worked as an artist. They enjoyed many facilities denied to other castes for instance they could not be awarded capital punishment.

Sub-castes begin to appear in greater number during this period. For instance, in the 12th century inscriptions there is a mention of sub-castes like Dikshit, Pathak, Upadhyaya and Patwardhan. The sub-castes probably originated in differences about food, professions, customs, philosophy and religious practices.

Kshatriyas occupied a high position in society and supplied the rulers of the Hindu States from amongst themselves. Their main functions were government, defence, charity, sacrifices and study. Many of them were men of learning for example Harshvardhan, Chalukya king Vinayaditya. They also began to be divided during this period into sub-castes and took to other professions.

Main functions of the Vaishyas were agriculture, cattle-rearing, charity, sacrifice, study, trade, business and money-lending. They were discarding agriculture as it was regarded a derogatory work by the Buddhists, and were adopting the profession of business. Some of them were ministers and commanders also. They had also split up into sub-castes.

The service-class was named the Shudras. They were, however, not untouchable. They had the right to Panch-Maha-Yagnas. Their main functions included agriculture, artisanship, smithy, carpentry, cloth-washing, dyeing and pottery. There were the untouchables living outside the city, chief among who were shoe-makers, hunters, butchers and weavers.

There was one special caste called the Kayasthas. During this period they began to develop into a distinct caste. This caste is, therefore, a mixture of all castes. Even now Surajdhwaj Kayasthas call themselves Shakdwipi Brahmans.

The Hindus were not completely frugal. The upper classes lived in palatial buildings with provision for music, hospitality, library and disputation. There were festivities and fairs throughout the year. There were amusements and entertainments like music, dancing, drama, animal-fighting, open-air dining, boating, swimming, chess and dice. Non-vegetarian diet prevailed among the Kshatriyas and the lower castes. Sacrifices or Yajnas were in vogue. There were slaves also maintained by the kings and the rich people. People had also developed faith in magic, ghosts and spells.


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