What role does Varna and Jati play in Hindu religion?
Difference between jati & varna In each system, each caste (jati) – birth-unit – is an endogamous group into which one is born into and will marry within. There are approximately 3,000 jatis in contemporary society. By contrast, varna is the typical functional division of an advanced society. It is one of the four large caste groups (Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra) from which most jatis are believed to derive. “While the term varna refers to the fours different classes in society, the term jati refers to the different endogamous sections of the Hindu Society which is known as castes.” (“An Introduction to Hinduism”, Gavin Flood.) More about varna Varna literally means “color”. It refers to the distinct qualities (guna) that the four functional classes possess in their hearts and minds. There are four different qualities of human beings – white, red, yellow, black. White (sattva = truthful) represents the quality of purity, love, faith and detachment. Those belonging to this co
