Kindle Notes & Highlights
What is certain is that the Aryans were responsible for the great Sanskrit literary tradition.
The Hindu sacred scriptures, the Vedas, were written during this period of transition (1500–1200 BC), and the caste system became formalised. These composititions are of seminal importance in terms of India's spirituality and history.
Hindus are born into one of four varnas (castes): Brahmin (priests and scholars), Kshatriya (soldiers and administrators), Vaishya (merchants) and Shudra (labourers).
Beneath the four main castes are the Dalits (formerly known as Untouchables), who hold menial jobs such as sweepers and latrine cleaners.
