The rigid, hereditary caste system is not part of original Hindu teachings but a later social distortion. The Purusha Sukta of Rigveda describes four varnas (categories) based on individual qualities and functions, not birth. The Bhagavad Gita (4.13) clearly states these divisions are based on guna (qualities) and karma (actions).
Modern research shows how the fluid occupational categories of ancient India gradually became rigid social divisions during medieval times. Today's Hindu scholars emphasize returning to the original system of merit-based social organization while rejecting birth-based discrimination.
You cannot copy content of this page