Tag Caste System

Caste Apasthamba Sutra Contradicts Bhagavad Gita

On Catse system, Apasthamba says thus,

Catvāro varṇā brāhmaṇa kṣatriya vaiśya śūdrāḥ || 4 ||
4. [There are] four castes — brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas, vaiśyas, and śūdras.
All four are entitled to practice the Dharma set forth by the agreement of the Law-givers.
teṣāṃ pūrvaḥ pūrvo janmataś-śreyān || 5 ||
5. Among these, each preceding [caste] is superior by birth to the one
following.
aśūdrāṇām aduṣṭa-karmāṇām upāyanaṃ vedādhyayanam agnyādheyaṃ
phalavanti ca karmāṇi ||

Vaisya Surnames

Of the four castes in Indian system , Vaisyas play an important part in the development of the Society.

They are the economic powerhouse of the Indian Community.

Like Brahmins and Kshtriyas all the Samskaras, including the Upanayana Ceremony is applicable to them.

Their Deity is Vasavi.

In Tamil Nadu they are called Chettiars.

Chettiars have subdivisions, mainly they are Vaniba Chettairs(traders), Ennai Chettiars(Oil traders) and Nattukkottai Chettiars( denotes Geographical Location, they are mainly into Financing).

Artisans alos come under this category.

But over a period of time they got separated from the community.

Information is scant on this subject.

I will be grateful if Readers can contribute.