Varna: A Historical Review

The paper is an attempt to identify the historical and material roots of the Varna system. It seeks to trace the course of its origin and explains the social and material factors responsible for the Varna scheme of stratification and in latter periods towards its degeneration. The word Varna primarily connotes in which a person chooses his own profession according to his ability freely and all the Varnas had equal role to play in any society. The division of the society was according to the functions they choose to perform according to their abilities and aptitudes. A drift of changes occurred in latter Vedic period where the flexibility of the Varna system was diminished and it transformed into a rigid caste system. An analysis of different ancient historical texts reveals the variation in occupation alters and not to stick to one"s own aptitudes only but they move to other professions also. The professions they choose become hereditary and they tended to crystallize into castes/groups which become their occupational identity and their distinct social status got fixed during the latter Vedic times. The co-relation between Dharma and Varna amalgamated as Varna dharma was based on social functions, cooperation, distribution of duties and responsibilities etc. in accordance with one"s talents and aptitude.