How did the caste system arise?
The origin of the caste system is disputed. There are several theories. The Hindu creation myth claims that the first man split himself to form the four castes from different parts of his body. A similar “biological” explanation theorises that all things have the three gunas (qualities): satya (Truth); rajas (action); and tamas (inertia) in different proportions. A sociological explanation is given by the Aryan invasion theory, but this is now largely discredited.
