In Hindu India, the second-highest of the four
varnas, or social classes, traditionally the military or ruling class.
In ancient times before the caste system was completely defined, they
were considered first in rank, placed higher than the Brahmans, or
priestly class. The legend that they were degraded by an incarnation of
Vishnu as a punishment for their tyranny may reflect a historical
struggle for supremacy between priests and rulers. In modern times the
Kshatriya varna includes members from a variety of castes, united by
their status in government or the military or their land ownership.
No comments:
Post a Comment