Vedic Wisdom teaches that every individual is unique in their constellation of strengths and weaknesses, making them suited for a particular type of work and a certain position in society. Vedic Society is divided into four classes or Varnas.
1. Shudras: These are the artisans and manual laborers. They are gifted with dexterity, endurance and great skill in producing manual works of all sorts which are necessary for the healthy functioning of any society. Shudras enjoy greater freedom of movement and employment than the other classes, as they are not required to be financially self-sufficient and are allowed to take on work from others as they choose.
2. Vaishyas: These are the farmers, merchants and business owners. It is their duty to make sure that society is supplied with all of the goods it requires for it‘s proper functioning. Though they often have more wealth than members of other classes, Vaishyas are faced with the responsibility of maintaining their businesses and taking care of their employees. However, a Vaishyas is gifted with business savvy and enjoys the challenges running a successful enterprise entails.
3. Kshatriyas: These are the soldiers, police officers and public administrators. It is their duty to ensure the safety and smooth running of society. Though granted political power, they have the responsibility of using that power wisely and fairly, making sure that justice and the rule of law prevails. Kshatriyas are gifted with great strength and determination in order to execute their duties as the protectors of society, and they are not infrequently called upon to make the greatest sacrifice - that of their own life for the good of society.
4. Braahmanas: These are the intellectuals, teachers and priests. It is their duty to ensure that society as a whole is headed in the right direction - towards the fulfillment of the Purusharthas. To do this, they are required to study and teach the Vedas, to perform sacrifices for the benefit of all, and to live a simple and frugal life, devoted to preaching the Truth.
It is absolutely vital to recognize that Varna is not based upon birth or heredity, but on the nature and merits of the individual. Swami Dayanand proclaims: "The Class and Order of an individual should be determined by his merits alone." (Satyarth Prakash 728) The caste system as it is known in India today is a perversion of Varna, and should be denounced by all noble individuals as the source of grave social injustice.