The Varna system is a social stratification system that divides society into various strata based on social and economic abilities. It is a hierarchical system that was prevalent during the early Vedic period and is discussed in Hindu texts). The system is also known as the caste system and is divided into four basic categories: Brahmins (priests, teachers, intellectuals), Kshatriyas (warriors, kings, administrators), Vaishyas (agriculturalists, traders, farmers), and Shudras (workers, laborers, artisans). The Varna system is inherited in Indian society from the early Vedic period and is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS exam.

The concept of Varna is generally traced to the Purusha Sukta verse of the Rig Veda, which describes the society as constituted to follow the Varna rules in order to sustain prosperity and order. The division of the Varna is to distribute the responsibilities among various people and to maintain the purity of caste and establish eternal order. The Varna system was developed to bring order to society and give people roles according to their skills. It helped in bringing stability to society and allowed mobility across the Varnas, so people could change their lifestyle and status in society by working hard.

The Varna system has been known since a hymn in the Rigveda that portrays the Brahman (priest), the Kshatriya (noble), the Vaishya (commoner), and the Shudra (servant) issued forth at creation from the mouth, arms, thighs, and feet of the primeval person (purusha). In modern times, traditional Hindus, awakened to the inequities of the caste system yet believing the four-varna system to be fundamental to the good society, have often advocated a return to this clear-cut Varna system by reforming castes.

In summary, the Varna system is a social stratification system that divides society into various strata based on social and economic abilities. It is a hierarchical system that was prevalent during the early Vedic period and is discussed in Hindu texts. The system is divided into four basic categories: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. The Varna system was developed to bring order to society and give people roles according to their skills.