Bhagavad Gita · Mahabharata Codex

Varna

वर्ण · varṇa

the four social orders

The ancient division of society into brahmins (teachers and priests), kshatriyas (rulers and warriors), vaishyas (farmers and traders) and shudras (those who serve). Krishna says the four were created according to qualities and work, and chapter 18 lists the natural duties of each. Arjuna's dilemma is framed in these terms: he is a kshatriya, and fighting a just war is his work.

Appears in

Bhagavad Gita 1.41 · Bhagavad Gita 4.13 · Bhagavad Gita 18.41