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The Vaishyas are the third caste in Indian society, traditionally merchants who also provided for society through charity and public works. They were historically wealthy but at the bottom of the caste system, leading to support for revolutionary movements and religions. Vaishyas played a significant role in Indian industrialism and continue to participate in trade and the economy.
The Vaishyas are the third of the four castes of Indian society. Traditionally, they composed the merchant class and also provided for Indian society at large through almsgiving and the construction of temples, hospitals and other public facilities. Vaishya members have traditionally been in an awkward position in society, being among the lower ranks of the castes, yet they form a crucial part of society. This has historically led to some bitterness on the part of the Vaishyas.
The word “Vaishya” comes from a word meaning “to live” and the caste was originally focused on farming, agriculture and trade. With the development of the caste system, the Vaishyas deviated from their agricultural pursuits, focusing on trade as merchants, skilled labor and land ownership. Members of this caste have traditionally been wealthy, owing to their occupations, and the caste has also traditionally valued education, especially religious education in the hope of being born twice, an important milestone in Hindu life.
As a mercantile community, the Vaishyas helped India expand and become a formidable economic force in its own right. Many members of this caste were also behind the development of Indian industrialism in the early 20th century, with prominent Vaishyas forming large corporations which continue to be economic powerhouses in India. The caste has also traditionally placed a value on crafts and technical education.
Since Vaishyas have long been associated with wealth, the caste was historically also expected to participate in charity and almsgiving. Many Indian temples have been built with Vaishya funds, along with other structures that are meant to benefit society at large. The Brahmin caste may have encouraged this social and religious charity in hopes of defusing the power that often comes with wealth.
Although the Vaishyas were wealthy and often highly respected, they were at the bottom of the caste system. The resentment this fostered led to Vaishya-based support of many revolutionary movements and religions. The spread of religions such as Buddhism that reject the notion of caste was enhanced through conversion and Vaishya funds, and the Vaishyas were also behind numerous reform-oriented political figures such as Gandhi. Thanks to legislation and social reforms, the caste system in India no longer holds the power it once did, although many traditionally Vaishya families have continued to participate in trade and the economy, capitalizing on centuries of family experience.
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