The concept of varnas comes from ancient Indian society and refers to the four main social classes. These classes are Brahmins, who are priests and scholars; Kshatriyas, who are warriors and rulers; Vaishyas, who are merchants and landowners; and Shudras, who are laborers and service providers. Each varna has its own duties and responsibilities, contributing to the overall functioning of society.
Historically, the varna system was more about social roles than strict hierarchies, but over time, it became more rigid. This led to the development of the caste system, which further divided society into numerous sub-groups. Understanding varnas helps us grasp the complexities of social organization in ancient India.