What is the caste system and how did it begin?

The Caste System is a social hierarchy traditionally found in India, dividing people into groups based on their occupation and social status. It is believed to have originated around 1500 BCE with the arrival of Indo-Aryans, who categorized society into four main varnas: Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (traders and agriculturists), and Shudras (laborers and service providers). Over time, this system became more rigid, leading to the emergence of numerous sub-castes or jatis. The caste system has historically influenced social interactions, economic opportunities, and access to resources, though it has faced significant challenges and reforms in modern times.