Since 1200 BCE, social classes have helped define the politics, religion, and society of India. The name of the system that Indians used to classify social classes was the caste system, a way of classifying people into ranks, called varnas. Four ranks were created to classify the people: at the top were the Brahmins, then the Kshatriyas, the Vaishyas and finally the Shudras. The Rig Vedas states that “the first created man, Purusa, is sacrificed in order to give birth to the four varnas. The Brahmin was his mouth, his two arms had become the Rajanya [Kshatriya, king and warrior], his two thighs [loins] the Vaishya, from his feet was born the Sudra [servile class]” (History of the caste system in India ). ). Although the Vedas speak of only four classes, Indian culture has adapted only one. This class is called the untouchables. Untouchables are a derivative class in modern Indian society, they are classified as people who work in occupations such as cleaning and skinning dead animals. Society is a very powerful thing, especially in India. These five caste systems have influenced almost all of Indian religion, politics and society. Although the imposition of social classes has lessened, they can still influence the politics of modern India. One of the main ways that social class has influenced politics is through opinion. Almost one hundred percent of the time, the Indian government will not listen to the lower classes of the caste system, but only the upper classes such as Brahmins and Kshatriyas. This may not seem like a big deal, but if the government doesn't start listening to its lower classes like the untouchables and Sudras, then there could be... middle of paper... streets and the other half taking advantage of his life. Finally, social class has impacted religion because of the way Hinduism teaches aspects of reincarnation. Ultimately, these five social classes helped define India and, one day, destroy it. Works Cited Hahn, Harley. "Interesting people - Mohandas Gandhi." Interesting people - Mohandas Gandhi. Np, and Web. November 10, 2013. “History of the caste system in India.” History of the caste system in India. Np, and Web. November 10, 2013. “India – Caste and Social Class”. India - Caste and class. Np, and Web. November 10, 2013. “Population of India 2013.” - Population of India 2013 - Current population of India in 2013. Np, nd Web. November 10, 2013. “Why did the caste system develop and how was it perpetuated?” » Help with GCSE lessons, essays and homework from Marked By Teachers.com. Np, and Web. November 10. 2013.