castes
A caste is a social class or group within a society, often associated with specific occupations, roles, or social status. Castes are commonly found in societies like India, where the system has historical roots in Hinduism. People are typically born into a caste, which can influence their social interactions, marriage prospects, and job opportunities.
The caste system is often divided into four main categories, known as varnas: Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and landowners), and Shudras (laborers and service providers). Additionally, there are many sub-castes, or jatis, that further define social roles and relationships within the broader caste framework.