Significance of Higher castes
Higher caste refers to the social groups positioned at the top of the hierarchical caste system, traditionally including the Brahmana, Kshatriya, and Vaishya. These groups hold greater privileges and responsibilities, with specific rights under religious and legal contexts. According to various texts such as Arthashastra, Purana, and Dharmashastra, they enjoy elevated status, which affects social interactions, inheritance laws, and penalties for violations against them. The notion of higher caste is critical in understanding the dynamics of power and privilege within Hindu society.
Synonyms: Upper caste, Privileged caste, Superior caste
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Higher castes'
In Hinduism, higher caste refers to social groups like Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas that hold superior status due to education, privileges, and spiritual qualifications within the caste system, impacting rights, responsibilities, and societal interactions.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The upper social classes in the traditional caste system, for whom the act of drinking liquor is deemed particularly heinous.[1] (2) Refers to the social groups above the Shudras, specifically Brahmanas and Kshatriyas, who are seen as having a superior status due to their spiritual and ritual qualifications.[2] (3) Referring to the social categories in Hindu society that are traditionally associated with privileges and sacred duties, particularly in religious contexts.[3] (4) The social classes above the Shudra caste, which have different entitlements in performing religious rites.[4] (5) A social class in the hierarchical caste system that is considered superior to others.[5]
From: Yajnavalkya-smriti (Vyavaharadhyaya)—Critical study
(1) Refers to those belonging to a higher social class in the caste system; penalties for adultery with women of higher caste are more severe.[6] (2) Refers to castes like the Brahmanas, who are regarded as socially superior to castes like the Candalas.[7]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) Social classes ranked above others, which affects the inheritance rights of offspring begotten by lower castes.[8] (2) Caste levels above the Shudra, from which the Shudra is expected to seek livelihood and support.[9]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) Social classes that can descend to lower castes if they neglect their responsibilities.[10]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) Refers to the socio-religious order in which an individual cannot adopt the lifestyle of a caste above their own.[11]
From: The Agni Purana
(1) A social class traditionally considered superior in the hierarchical structure of society.[12] (2) Social classes that hold more privilege and power, subjected to specific regulations regarding interactions with lower classes.[13] (3) Refers to members of society with elevated status, entitled to certain privileges and protections under the law.[14]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The spiritual and social ranking of beings that an individual attains by transcending lower qualities associated with Darkness.[15]
From: The Skanda Purana
(1) Individuals belonging to a superior social status in the caste hierarchy.[16]
From: The Bhagavata Purana
(1) The twice-born populations who have specific duties but are contrasted with the lower castes.[17]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The three main social classes in Vedic society, which traditionally have access to Vedic knowledge and qualifications for sacrifices and meditation.[18]
From: Harshacharita (socio-cultural Study)
(1) Refers to social groups within the caste system that occupy elevated positions and enjoy greater privileges.[19]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) Social hierarchy where individuals of higher rank face penalties for contemptuous actions against them.[20]
The concept of 'Higher castes' in local and regional sources
Higher caste groups are characterized by their reliance on medicinal healing rather than belief in witchcraft, reflecting their social status and cultural practices in contrast to other groups.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) Social groups that do not believe in witchcraft and rely on medicines for healing.[21]