5 - Human Life And Its Purpose - Occupation

Question 1

What is Varn-a?

Answer 1

Varn-a is defined as the occupations into which society is divided according to function.

Question 2

Is Varn-a a controversial subject?

Answer 2

In Sanskrit literature, this is a controversial subject.

There are many different opinions regarding caste, both historically and in modern India.

However, for this course, we will simply define varn-a as occupation

Question 3

What are the four Varn-as?

Answer 3

Question 4

What is the idea behind the Varn-a system?

Answer 4

The idea in the Rrgveda behind the varn-a system is that all people are born from the Universal Person, or puruswa.

The braahman-as are the head, the kswatriyas the arms, the
vaiszyas the thighs and the szuudras the feet.

Each varn-a is responsible for a sphere of human activity and contributes towards the smooth operation of society.