Shudra

Shudra
   The term Shudra originates in the ancient RIG VEDA; it refers to the servant class, as the lowest group in a four-part division (VARNA) of human society. It is used in present-day India for castes that are low in the social hierarchy, such as bar-bers, washermen, and others who perform per-sonal services.
   Each region of India has its own notions of what constitutes a Shudra. Below the Shudras in the informal caste hierarchy (the caste system was legally abolished after independence) are the Shudra 409 J
   Dalits, untouchables, who are sometimes referred to as the “fifth” and “unclean” stratum of society. Many of them are employed as sweepers, refuse re-movers, and leather workers (See UNTOUCHABILITY).
   Further reading: Maurice Carstairs, The Twice Born (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1967); R. S. Sharma, Sudras in Ancient India, 2d ed. (Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1980).

Encyclopedia of Hinduism. . 2007.

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  • Shudra — (IAST: IAST|Śūdra) is the fourth Varna in the traditional four section division in historic Hindu society. Their assigned and expected role in post Vedic India was that of labourers. The four Varnas are Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya,… …   Wikipedia

  • Shudra — (Sanskrit, शूद्र, m., śūdra, f., śūdrā) ist im indischen Kastensystem die Bezeichnung für die vierte Kaste (Varna) der traditionellen vier Kasten. Sie stellen (abgesehen von den Unberührbaren, die außerhalb des Kastensystems stehen) die unterste… …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Shudra —   [ʃ , Sanskrit] der, (s)/ s, im Hinduismus Angehöriger der untersten der vier Kasten; er durfte nur die traditionell als unrein geltenden Berufe (Diener, Schauspieler, Handwerker) ausüben und den Veda nicht studieren, er war auch vom vedischen… …   Universal-Lexikon

  • Shudrá — Este artículo o sección necesita referencias que aparezcan en una publicación acreditada, como revistas especializadas, monografías, prensa diaria o páginas de Internet fidedignas. Puedes añadirlas así o avisar …   Wikipedia Español

  • Shudra — noun a member of the lowest or worker Hindu caste • Syn: ↑Sudra • Hypernyms: ↑Hindu, ↑Hindoo, ↑Hindustani • Member Holonyms: ↑sudra, ↑shudra * * * Shuddery, Shudra …   Useful english dictionary

  • shudra — noun the lowest of the four varnas: the servants and workers of low status • Syn: ↑sudra • Hypernyms: ↑varna • Member Meronyms: ↑Shudra, ↑Sudra * * * Shuddery, Shudra see Sudra, an Indian caste …   Useful english dictionary

  • Shudra — /shooh dreuh/, n. a Hindu of the lowest caste, that of the workers. Also, Sudra. Cf. Brahman (def. 1), Kshatriya, Vaisya. [ < Skt sudra] * * * or Sudra Fourth and lowest of the varnas, or social classes, of Hindu India. Traditionally co …   Universalium

  • Shudra — noun a Hindu of the lowest caste, that of the workers. See Also: shudra …   Wiktionary

  • Shudra — Shu|dra* [ʃ...] vgl. ↑Schudra …   Das große Fremdwörterbuch

  • Shudra — Shu•dra or Sudra [[t]ˈʃu drə, ˈsu [/t]] n. pl. dras ear a Hindu of the lowest caste, that of the workers Compare Brahman 1) Kshatriya Vaisya Etymology: < Skt śūdra …   From formal English to slang

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