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Social Stratification
At the time of Buddha, Indian society was divided into four castes. These were the Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra classes. This division was not related to merit or deeds, but was a tradition simply based on birth. The four groups engaged in distinct and separate life styles. Marriage out of caste was simply not allowed. It is clear from Jain and Buddhist texts that Brahmin and Kshatriya castes were the ruling castes. They were invariably involved in tension with regard to their authority to rule over others. The Kshatriya consistently competed with the Brahmins in knowledge, science, and ascetic practices. The Vaishya class held an inferior status to the Brahmin and Kshatriya. The word householder was commonly used to refer to the Vaishya class. They were respected in royal circles solely on the basis of their wealth and status and therefore their representatives were quite influential in the King's court. The Shudra class, all non-Aryan or were aborigines, composed the lowest of these four castes. In addition to these four castes there also were the Chandalas (untouchables) who were so low that they were not even considered a caste. It was a sin to even see a Chandala, and even more so to touch one. They were segregated from the society. Also, at this time in Indian history, there were quite a few people in the grip of various cults, which were
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