[Ashwanth]

The Varna system is the description of a hierarchical society with a Brahmanical ideology. This concept developed the division of classes in society in Hinduism and it had four broad divisions. As per the Vedic scriptures in Rig and Yajur Veda, the old society of India was divided into four different castes. A caste was defined by the skin color and occupation of the people. The idea emerged from the invasion of Aryans, the comparatively fair-skinned invaders in India. They defined the caste system to segregate society into a hierarchical system.

The four castes:

1. Brahmin:

The Brahmins held the highest position in society due to occupation and color. They were destined to be respected by the rest of the castes and were the only ones to study. They also taught others from the same sect. It was them who can only practice Vedas and the rituals. They made all the rules and regulations of the society as they were well-versed in Vedas.

2. Kshatriyas:

The second caste in the Varna caste system. This is the warrior group in society. They were trained as soldiers and warriors to save the nation from invasions. Their duty was to protect all the other castes.

3. Vaishyas:

This Varna or caste falls third on the social ladder. The people in this caste were traders, farmers, and other professionals who worked for a living. Only Vaishyas and Kshatriyas could do rituals and make sacrifices under the guidance of the Brahmins.

4. Shudras:

This caste belongs to the lowest level on the social ladder of the four Varnas. The Shudras were designated to serve the above three castes and were barred from performing any rituals, getting educated, or practicing any other occupation.

[Ashwanth]

During the Mughal period, Surat in Gujarat was an important place of commerce with West Asia. It was the gateway for trade with West Asia via the Gulf of Ormuz. Surat is also the gateway to Mecca because many pilgrim ships set sail from here. Hence, Surat played a vital role as a port on the Western coast of India. Surat was a cosmopolitan city inhabited by people from all castes and creeds. In the 17th century, The Portuguese, The Dutch, and The English located their warehouses and factories at Surat. Retailers and wholesalers also set up shops in the city to sell cotton textiles. Textiles of Surat were praised for their beautiful gold ace borders(Zari) and they had a market in West Asia, Africa, and Europe. The state provided facilities to people who visited the city from all over the world. The Mahajans had huge banking houses at Surat and the Surat hundis were accepted in faraway places like the markets of Cairo in Egypt, Basra in Iraq, and Antwerp in Belgium. The articles of trade in Surat were manifold. Iron, copper, alum, diamonds, rubies, rock crystals, agate and carnelian were traded. The wheat of Surat, which was considered as best in the world found a prominent place in export. Agricultural products that were exported include peas, lentils and beans. Soap, sugar, wax and opium were other commodities that were exported. There were also exports of cotton and woolen carpets, woodwork and furniture including bedsteads and writing desks exquisitely inlaid with pearl, ivory, gold and silver and ‘all wonderfully cheap’. Surat’s significance declined in the 18th Century CE.