The Hindu Social System
The Indian social system was influenced by the concept of caste (varna). It directly linked religious belief and the segregation of society into status groups. Weber goes on to describe the caste system (the Brahmins - priests, the Kshatriyas - warriors, the Vaisyas - merchants, the Sudras - laborers and the untouchables).
Weber pays special attention to Brahmins and considers why they occupied the highest place in Indian society for many centuries. With regards to the concept of dharma he concludes that the Indian ethical pluralism is very different both from the universal ethic of Confucianism and Christianity. He notes that the caste system prevented the development of urban status groups.
Read more about this topic: The Religion Of India: The Sociology Of Hinduism And Buddhism
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