The Kshatriya caste in Hinduism traditionally held power and were rulers and warriors. The caste system, based on the Vedas, became hereditary and discriminatory. Kshatriyas were expected to intermarry and were responsible for defending society. They were originally the highest caste but were replaced by Brahmins. Reforms have abolished discriminatory aspects of the caste system.
Under the Hindu caste system, a Kshatriya is a ruler or warrior. This caste has traditionally been ranked second among the four castes of the system, and members of the Kshatriya caste have held power for centuries in India. Though the caste system has been drastically changed through legislation and social reform in India, it is not uncommon to see Kshatriyas in public office in India, since they have been associated with power and governance for so long.
The origins of the caste system can be found in the sacred texts of Hinduism, known as the Vedas. According to the Vedas, every citizen has a different varna or caste. Originally, one’s varna would have been based on deeds in life, but varnas eventually became hereditary, solidifying a rigid layered system that lasted for centuries. The caste system may have provided everyone with a place in Indian society, but it did not allow for social mobility and flexibility, and many 20th-century Indians viewed it as highly discriminatory.
The word “Kshatriya” comes from the words for “power” and “ruler”. Members of this caste have traditionally ruled Indian communities and society. Ideally, a Kshatriya ruler would have been just and merciful, ruling the community with intrinsic governing qualities guaranteed by his varna. It was also common for children born into the Kshatriya caste to be extensively educated in statesmanship and history, to ensure they would grow up to be sound rulers.
Besides holding power in the form of leadership, the Kshatriyas were also warriors. Caste members were responsible for defending Indian society and upholding justice. The caste held an essential monopoly on military education and defense training for many generations. As members of a high-ranking caste, Kshatriyas were expected to intermarry, in a practice known as endogamy. Marriages between castes were generally frowned upon.
Before the caste system was fully codified, the Kshatriyas were actually the highest caste. Supposedly, the Brahmins replaced them on the orders of Vishnu, who was punishing the Kshatriyas for their tyrannical rule. This may reflect a classic conflict between priests and soldiers, who have fought for control of their societies for centuries. In modern India, other castes are allowed to hold office and join the army, as part of a series of general reforms aimed at abolishing the discriminatory aspects of the caste system.
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