Vaishya
Vaishya is the traditional third varna in Hindu social classification, associated with agriculture, cattle-rearing, trade, and commerce.
Varna: A traditional Hindu social classification that groups people into four broad ranks. Vaishya is the third of the four varnas in this framework.
Agriculture in India: The cultivation of crops across India’s varied climates, regions, and farming systems. Agriculture is among the occupations traditionally assigned to Vaishyas.
Vedic period: A period of ancient South Asian history associated with the composition of the Vedas. The varna scheme appears in Vedic sources, though its early social reach is debated.
Brahmin: A member of the varna traditionally associated with priesthood, learning, and ritual authority. Brahmins occupy the first varna and are assigned different traditional duties.
Dharma: A concept of duty, conduct, and order in Hindu traditions and other Indian religions. Texts connect Vaishya identity with occupational and social duties.
Cattle in Hinduism: Cattle have religious, economic, and cultural significance in Hindu traditions. Cattle-rearing is named among the traditional Vaishya occupations.
Rigveda: The oldest of the four Vedas, a collection of Sanskrit hymns composed in ancient South Asia. Its Purusha Sukta contains an early account of the four varnas.
Kshatriya: A member of the varna traditionally associated with rulership, warfare, and protection. Kshatriyas form the second varna, above Vaishyas in the traditional ordering.
Purusha Sukta: A Vedic hymn describing the cosmic being Purusha and the origins of the four varnas. Its imagery supplies an influential account of the varnas’ origins.
Trade in India: The exchange of goods within India and across its regions and borders. Trade and commerce form the clearest traditional occupational association.