ABSTRACT
AND G1j~NERAL REMARKS ON THE CASTE SYSTEM
THE word caste is derived from the Portuguese, and is used in Europe to designate the different tribes or classes into which the people of India are divided 1. The most ordinary classification, and at the same time the most ancient, divides them into four main castes. The first and most distinguished of all is that of Brakmana, or Brahmins; the second in rank is that of K8katriyas, or Rajahs; the third the Vaisyas, or LaMlwlder8 and Merchants; and the fourth the Booras, or Oultivator8 and Menials.
