Shudra
Shudra, or Sudra, is the fourth caste, or varna, in the traditional four-caste division among Indian castes. Shudra caste often had traditional roles providing menial labor, which was not necessarily unclean. These four castes are Brahmin (priestly or learned caste), Kshatriya (warrior caste), Vaisya (businessmen, artisans and farmers), and Sudra (Laborers and workforce). Sudra can also denote a Mlechha (barbaric) or a foreigner or outsider. It can also be someone who refuses to acknowledge the supremacy of the Brahmins.
The Sudra title, like the other three, is more of a classification than an actual caste. An Indian caste is often a mixture of several factors. This includes a faith
tradition relatively particular to the caste, certain social customs
particular to the caste, and often a specific traditional role in
village life due to variations in occupations and multitheism in the
hindu religion. For instance, Shudras may be barbers or water carriers. The specific role often has little relevance to modern life, especially in city life.
Sudras are also those tribes that are classified as not observing Bramanical supremacy. These tribes include, Yavanas, Kambojas, Paradas, Pahlavas, Kiratas, Sakas and the Daradas etc, this despite Manu Smriti acknowledging them as Kshatriya's by birth.
See also
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