Kshatriya



ETHNONYMS: none


The Kshatriyas are a large block of Hindu castes, mainly located in the northern half of India. The Sanskrit term Kshatrā means "warrior, ruler," and identifies the second varna, ranking immediately below the Brahmans. No doubt, most of the many castes that claim to be Kshatriya are somehow descended from warriors who were in the service of princes and rulers or who were of royal families. Conversely, numerous rulers have legitimized their status, especially if usurpers, by claiming that their lineage was indeed Kshatriya. Most typical and best known of these groups are the Rajputs, who once formed the many princely houses of Rajasthan (former Rajputana) and neighboring areas. Of course, today most Kshatriyas are landowners or follow urban professions.

Although they rank high in the varna system, Kshatriyas may and commonly do eat meat (though never beef), and many also take alcoholic drinks; both of these characteristics set them apart from the Brahmans.

It is perhaps no mere coincidence that Mahavira and Gautama, the founders of Jainism and Buddhism respectively, were of this social category. It can be argued that their spiritual voyages in the sixth century B . C . were both prompted by reaction to the excessive ritualism that marked the Vedic sacrifice of the purohita (priests). Some centuries later there was a general understanding that Kshatriyas would abstain from wordly pleasures while they fought to protect the polity and the Brahmans' place in it. But in fact—if Rajput history can be taken as a guide—Kshatriya warriors when not actually on the battlefield surrounded themselves with luxurious palaces, multiple wives and concubines, fine horses and falcons, and all the pleasures of eating cooked meats.

See also Rajput

Bibliography

Fox, Richard G. (1971). Kin, Clan, Raja, and Rule: State-Hinterland Relations in Preindustriai India. Berkeley: University of California Press.


Tod, James (1829-32). Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, or the Central and Western Rajpoot States of India. Rev. ed., edited by William Crooke. 1920. London: Oxford University Press. Numerous reprints.

PAUL HOCKINGS

Also read article about Kshatriya from Wikipedia

User Contributions:

OMG. At first I didn't know what Kshatriya are. Now I'm a total Greek Geek.
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Hi my name is Georgia and i just want to say thank-you so much for the info i really needed it i have to do an presontation on kshatrya the caste system i really needed it so i just want to say thanks for all the help YES i do repeat the words lots but u know i really love this website and it has go info So THANKS again :)(:
Very good Informatic site.
Good Job!

Is there are Rajput / Kshtriya cast in Euro. or in link ?
5
Jessica
What did the Kshatriyans wear? what were their families like? And What were they most educated on? Thanks :)
6
Malika Burman
There is an excellent history book documented Sahdev Vohra called "Punjab Then and Now" that describes first hand events on the subject. "50 years of Pakistan" is another book by same author, also a reliable resource.
7
kendyll
What a great information site about the Kshatriyas! I had to use this information for my social studies class in sixth grade. I would definitely reccomend it to others looking for information about this Indian tribe.
8
Babulal
I find difficulty in understanding the dichotomy of a warrior caste, whose profession presumably is fighting and maiming others, and finding themselves as royalty classed only below the Brahmins. No disrespect, but Please help me understand this apparent antithesis, which is puzzling in a society based on karma. Do not quote Mahabharata.
9
Dig vijay singh
Kshatriyas are also known as religious warriors, they just don't fight and maim others, there are codes that determines there duty toward religion and those who are weak or innocent . In the period when Kshatriya ruled the country India was also known as "bird of gold".
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nina sims
thanks so much for the awesome help! you are cool and cool and the coolest website maker ever!
11
nina sims
im so happy because i ave to do this presentation of the caste system and you totally helped me out
12
Rukmini kr sinha
WHAT was the gotra of bhisma pitamah of of kuru vansh. Is there any kshatriya communities imin Manipur.
13
Vagle Neelakanta
Hi, Everyone.. I am glad to see that there are people across the globe interested to know about us Kshatriyas
Very nice info i am prouded by this clan. But i am sad about unity of rajput. Government cheat us but we are silent .i would say that every rajput have a resposibliy to help eachother
15
The best
Thanks it's really helpful thx you so much you your the best thank you
16
KKayy
Thank soo much for the help I needed it for a school project now i am a gg ( greek geek)
17
makayla
hindu cast system- what are the jobs in each cast???
18
Amardipsinh gohil
kshatriyas are the most powerfull cast in India. They always secrifise thiere life for motherland.
There was many kingdom's in India before it merged into the Indian Union in 1948.
19
R Abhishek
Hi all, I am proud to be a Kshatriya born myself same time we respect each and every religion,communities and people for One ness and Unity, Yet since we are Kshatriyas are born leaders and rulers and protecters , I Love Myself Being Kshatriya on this Planet Earth :)
20
sasha
i have to do a debate for a class project and this really helped me get some Information.
21
cookiequeen
Thank you this really helped with my Indian caste system essay.
22
thx
thanks for the great info but what is the sponsor of this site?
23
Mr LOL
Thank you this helped me with my Indian caste system project

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