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Vaishya |
Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Wikipedia, Hutchinson | 0.05 sec. |
VaishyaThird highest of the four varnas of India. Traditionally described as commoners, Vaishyas are connected with productive labour, such as trade, agriculture, and pastoralism. According to legend, they sprang from the thighs of Prajapati, after the Brahmans and the Kshatriyas but before the Shudras. Like the two higher classes, they are “twice-born” (see upanayana). They are credited historically with favouring the rise of the reformist religious beliefs of Buddhism and Jainism. In modern times they have become a symbol of middle-class prestige, and many rise to higher classes. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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It sounds like a faintly ludicrous position, but the autumnal ochres of wool hat or the rich purples of vaisya do seem to add something to the words' meaning, and the very difficulty of defining what this might be is no small part of the works' lasting appeal. |
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