THEORY OF DIVINE ORIGIN
This theory owes its origin to ancient literature. It believes that caste has a divine origin with reference to Vedic literature; castes were created by Brahma, the supreme creator. He created different castes for the harmonious performance of various social functions to maintain society. According to the ‘Purushasukta’ hymn of the Rig Veda, the Brahmin is supposed to have been born from the mouth of the Supreme Being, the Kshatriya from the arms, the Vaishya from the thighs and the Sudra from the feet of the creator.
The emergence of four castes from different parts of Brahma’s body is only a symbolic description and is indicative of the work performed by each of them. Since the Brahmin has come out of the mouth, the seat of speech, his duty is to serve society as a teacher and also to preserve his cultural heritage.
Arms symbolize strength. Hence, the duty of the Kshatriya is to defend society from internal and external aggressions and rule the land. The Vaishya who comes out of the thighs must provide food for the members of society and look after its economic well-being. The feet serve the body.
So, the prime duty of the Sudra, who is born out of the feet of ‘Brahma’ is to serve the members of other castes without grumbling or grudging. Thus the purpose of the creation of each caste is to perform specific functions according to the creation of God Brahma and as such, castes cannot be changed due to human will.
In regards to the origin of a number of castes, it is believed that those have been formed as a result of the hypergamous or hypogamous marriages between the four original ‘varnas.’
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