What is a Vaishya?
The Vaishya are the third of four castes in Indian society. Traditionally, they have composed the merchant class, and they have also provided for Indian society in general through alms giving and the construction of temples, hospitals, and other public facilities. Members of the Vaishya have traditionally been in an awkward position in society, since they are among the lower ranking of the castes, yet they form a crucial part of society. This led historically to some bitterness on the part of the Vaishya. The word “Vaishya” is derived from a word which means “to live,” and the caste was originally focused on farming, agriculture, and trading. As the caste system developed, the Vaishya deviated from their agricultural pursuits, focusing on trade as merchants, skilled labor, and land ownership. Members of this caste have traditionally been wealthy, as a result of their occupations, and the caste has also traditionally valued education, especially religious education in the hopes of becom
The Vaishya are the third of four castes in Indian society. Traditionally, they have composed the merchant class, and they have also provided for Indian society in general through alms giving and the construction of temples, hospitals, and other public facilities. Members of the Vaishya have traditionally been in an awkward position in society, since they are among the lower ranking of the castes, yet they form a crucial part of society. This led historically to some bitterness on the part of the Vaishya. The word “Vaishya†is derived from a word which means “to live,†and the caste was originally focused on farming, agriculture, and trading. As the caste system developed, the Vaishya deviated from their agricultural pursuits, focusing on trade as merchants, skilled labor, and land ownership. Members of this caste have traditionally been wealthy, as a result of their occupations, and the caste has also traditionally valued education, especially religious education in the hopes of
