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In the Hindu caste system, a Vaishya (Sanskrit वैश्य vaiśya) is a member of the third of the four major castes of the varna system of traditional Indian society. It is comprised of merchants, artisans, and landowners. A person born into a Brahmin/Kshatriya/Vaishya family becomes twice-born (dvija) when he undergoes upanayana, initiation into Vedic education or education helping them master those parts of the four Vedas concerning their occupation.
Etymologically
The word derives from the root vish meaning "to live". Latin villa and the English wich, as in Greenwich, are also derived from this word. In Buddhist literature, they are termed as Grihapati. The colour associated with this Varna is yellow, symbolizing Rajas/Tamas, meaning quality in general. Some traditional surnames for Vaishyas are Gupta, Bhuti, Agarwal,Ahir, Garg, etc..
According to the Manu-smriti, the Vaishyas arose from the belly of Brahma.
Vaishya Castes
Famous members
Mahatma Gandhi - Freedom Fighter
Annapoorna Kuppuswamy - Neuroscientist
See also
External link
- http://www.vaisya.net/
"Vaishya"