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Hinduism: Religious Concepts and Religious Life

Varnashramadharma: the four varnas and four ashramas

  • 3 things to know
  • Component 1

Overview

Compound varṇāśramadharma, duty of the brāhmaṇa varṇa and duty of the kṣatriya varṇa.

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Key term

What do Ṛg Veda 10:90:11-12 say about the four varṇas?

Key term

What does the compound varṇāśramadharma mean?

Key term

What does the Puruṣa Sūkta describe?

Questions from this subtopic

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  1. 1

    What does the compound varṇāśramadharma mean?

    Model answer

    Varṇāśramadharma is the duty attaching to a person's varṇa and stage of life together. Caturvarṇāśramadharma names the same system, catur meaning four.

  2. 2

    What does the Puruṣa Sūkta describe?

    Model answer

    The Puruṣa Sūkta at Ṛg Veda 10:90 describes the sacrifice of a cosmic man. The world and human society are formed from his dismembered body.

  3. 3

    What do Ṛg Veda 10:90:11-12 say about the four varṇas?

    Model answer

    The hymn asks into how many parts the Puruṣa was divided. Brāhmaṇa came from the mouth and rājanya from the arms. Vaiśya came from the thighs and śūdra from the feet.

  4. 4

    State the duty of the brāhmaṇa varṇa.

    Model answer

    Brāhmaṇas study and teach the Veda and perform sacrifice on behalf of others. Ritual purity and learning are the defining obligations of the class.

  5. 5

    State the duty of the kṣatriya varṇa.

    Model answer

    Kṣatriyas rule, administer justice and protect the people by force of arms. Courage and generosity are the virtues expected of them.

  6. 6

    State the duty of the vaiśya varṇa.

    Model answer

    Vaiśyas farm, keep cattle, trade and lend money. Productive wealth for the community is the vaiśya contribution.

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AThe hymn asks into how many parts the Puruṣa was divided.
BBrāhmaṇa came from the mouth and rājanya from the arms.
CVaiśya came from the thighs and śūdra from the feet.

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