Shudra
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Shudra (Sanskrit शूद्र, m., śūdra, f., śūdrā) is the name for the fourth caste (varna) of the traditional four castes in the Indian caste system. They represent (apart from the Dalits, who are outside the caste system) the lowest stratum of Indian society and form the majority of the population: artisans, tenant farmers, day labourers, servants, agricultural labourers, labourers.
In modern India, where the caste system has been abolished since the founding of the Republic in 1947 but continues to play a major role in everyday social life, the Shudras often belong to the so-called Other Backward Classes (OBCs). As the lower castes (the Scheduled Castes) were given easier access to jobs in the administration under a quota system, this fomented resistance among the 'OBCs who also sought to enjoy these benefits. The Shudra castes are also considered pure by the orthodox Hindus, which is why they have always resided within the localities. Since the Shudras are very numerous, the designation Shudra says little about group affiliation, as is the case, for example, with the Brahmins. The sub-castes (Jatis) are more meaningful here and play a greater role in one's identity and social life.
In the 10th book of the Rigveda, the Purushasukta, it is described how the different castes came into being. They arose during a sacrifice from the primordial giant Purusha. The head became the Brahmanas, the arms the Kshatriya, the thighs the Vaishya and the feet the Shudra.
According to the classical legal texts such as the Manusmriti, the Shudras are obliged to serve the higher castes.
