Definition

1. Noun:
   • A social class in Hinduism: In Hinduism, "varna" refers to the four broad, ancient social classes or categories that form the traditional hierarchical structure of Hindu society.
   • A city in Bulgaria: "Varna" is also the name of a major port city and seaside resort located on the Black Sea coast of northeastern Bulgaria.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Social Class):
  • The concept of varna is described in ancient Hindu texts.
  • Traditionally, the four varnas are Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.
• Noun (City):
  • We spent our summer vacation in Varna.
  • Varna is an important cultural and economic center in Bulgaria.

Advanced Usage

• "Varna system": Refers to the traditional social hierarchy based on the four varnas.
  • The varna system has been a subject of extensive sociological study.
• Used in academic discussions on sociology, religion, and Indian history to denote the theoretical fourfold division, distinct from the more numerous "jati" (caste) groups.
  • The paper examines the relationship between varna and jati.

Variants and Related Words

• Varnashrama (n): Refers to the traditional Hindu system of life stages (ashrama) and social classes (varna).
• Varnashrama-dharma (n): The duties prescribed according to one's varna and stage of life.

Synonyms

• Social class: A general term for a division of a society based on social and economic status.
• Caste (in the specific, broader Indian context, though "jati" is more accurate for caste): A hereditary social class.
• (For the city): Seaport, resort city.

Related Phrases

• "Varna dharma": The set of duties and responsibilities associated with one's varna.
  • According to traditional teachings, following one's varna dharma is a path to spiritual merit.

Noun

1. (Hinduism) the name for the original social division of Vedic people into four groups (which are subdivided into thousands of jatis)
2. a port city in northeastern Bulgaria on the Black Sea