The Shudras

by Vikas Kamat
First Online: December 09, 2007
Page Last Updated: August 20, 2024

The Shudras are the fourth strata of communities in the "Varna" system (see aslo: Caste System) prevalent in India. Even though the term is used a lot in Indian culture the definitions of who is a Shudra (aka Shoodra and Sudra) and their roles and responsibilities vary depending on periods and texts.

Of Lower Lineage

Use of Term as an Insult

We see that the term Sudra as an insult in Indian society -- this very fact shows that the Shudras were considered not worthy of respect and were discriminated.