A society divided

There are several thousand castes in India but they can be grouped in the following broad categories:

Brahmins Those engaged in sacrifices and priestly functions

Kshtriyas Rulers and warriors

Vaishyas Merchants, farmers and tradesmen

Shudras Labourers, craftsmen and service professions

Dalits (Untouchables) The lowest of the castes. It includes people such as leather-workers, scavengers, street handicrafters, poor farmers and labourers.