r/AskAnIndian

I'm Filipino. I actually learned about the Indian Caste System way back in High School, as part of our Asian History Curriculum. So, we were taught that there are four main castes in the Varna System: Brahmins/Priests, Kshatriyas/Warriors or Soldiers, Vaishyas/ Merchants and Traders, and Shudras/Ordinary people. Outside of the Varna System are the Dalits. They were considered as outcasts in Ancient History, and up to this day, there are still Dalits.

My question is, how did the Caste System develop? Is a person's caste, hereditary, meaning linked to his/her birth? Is there social mobility in the caste system, meaning can you transition from one caste to the other?

I will really appreciate all of your insights. Dhanyavad/Shukriya. ❤️