Significance of Social class

Social class, as described in Purana, is a categorization of individuals according to their societal roles that determine their duties and responsibilities. In the context of Dharmashastra, social class signifies the stratification within society, impacting who is eligible to partake in specific rituals. This highlights the dual nature of social class, influencing both individual roles and access to religious practices within the society.1
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Synonyms: Socioeconomic status, Social standing, Social stratification, Economic class, Social hierarchy, Class structure, Social rank, Social position

In Dutch: Sociale klasse; In Finnish: Yhteiskunnallinen luokka; In Spanish: Clase social; In German: Soziale Klasse

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Social class'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, social class is viewed as a reflection of one's past lives, where an individual's social standing and circumstances in prior existences influence their current existence and experiences.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]

(1) This describes one of the aspects of past lives that can be recalled, providing details about the specific social standing and environment of the individual in previous existences.[1]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Social class'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, social class signifies societal stratification affecting ritual participation and categorizes individuals based on roles, thereby outlining their associated duties and responsibilities within the community.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) Refers to the stratification of society which influences eligibility for participation in certain rituals.[2]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Kama-shastra (the science of Love-making):
Kamashastra Books

From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)

(1) Categories of individuals in society based on wealth, occupation, and social status, strongly connected to the caste system.[3]

Kamashastra deals with ancient Indian science of love-making, passion, emotions and other related topics dealing with the pleasures of the senses.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) Refers to stratification within society, in this case relating specifically to the Shudra classification.[4]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

The concept of Social class in local and regional sources

History Books

Social class, as depicted in Vedic texts, illustrates a hierarchical societal structure, with distinct roles assigned to Brahmins, Rajanyas, and Vaishyas, emphasizing their responsibilities in cultural and spiritual practices, particularly the establishment of sacred fires.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) This refers to the hierarchical division of society in Vedic texts, where Brahmins, Rajanyas, and Vaishyas each have specific instructions for establishing sacred fires.[5]