Understanding the Caste System: A Journey Through History and Modern Challenges The caste system in India is one of the oldest and most enduring forms of social stratification, influencing nearly every aspect of life for over 3,000 years. Its roots can be traced back to ancient texts, notably the Rigveda, which introduced the concept of varna, categorizing society into four primary groups: Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (traders), and Shudras (laborer