How many casts were there in India?

In India, the Caste System traditionally comprises four main categories known as the "Varna" system: Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (traders and agriculturists), and Shudras (laborers and service providers). However, within these broad categories, there are thousands of sub-castes, often referred to as "jatis," which vary significantly across different regions and communities. The exact number of castes is difficult to determine, but estimates suggest there are over 3,000 distinct castes in India today. The caste system is a complex social hierarchy that has evolved over centuries and continues to influence social dynamics in contemporary Indian society.