??dra
Śūdra. Fourth social, or occupational, division (varna) in Hinduism. The origin of the word is uncertain. From Ṛg Veda 10. 90. 12, where the hierarchy is rājanya (rulers), brāhmaṇas, vaiśyas, and śūdras, it is assumed that they were already menials, though at least included in the Vedic community, even if, as not being ‘twice-born’, not wholly integrated. Their emergence in creation from under the feet of Puruṣa summarizes their position in society.
More From encyclopedia.com
NEARBY TERMS
??dra
