Ksatriya (Sanskrit) (also known as Kshatriya), the second highest of the four varnas, or social classes, of Hindu India. The Ksatriya has traditionally been the military or ruling class. Early Vedic texts make a distinction between the ordinary members of the Aryan tribe that had subjugated much of northern India and the warrior nobility referred to as the Ksatriya. Initially they came first in the developing varna or caste system that the Aryans used to classify their society between priests, warriors, and free peasants or traders. A hymn of the Rig-Veda contains first evidence of this new system. It concerns the sacrifice of Purusha and the creation of the universe and four varnas:
When they divided Purusha how many portions did they make?
What do they call his mouth, his arms? What do they call his thighs and feet?
The Brahman was his mouth, of both arms was the Rajanya [Ksatriya] made
His thighs became the Vaishya, from his feet the Shudra was produced.
At the top of this hierarchy were the first two estates or castes: the Brahmin priests and, as so clearly described by the Rig-Veda as the arms of society, the Ksatriya or warrior nobility. The second level was the Vaishya, the free Aryan peasants and traders, and the third level was the Shudra, the labourers, slaves, and artisans from the indigenous people.
The Ksatriya formed a ruling class which was often resented and led to social conflict. For example, a contemporary text states, ‘Whenever the Ksatriya feels like it he says, “Vaishya bring me what you have hidden from me.” He pillages and plunders. He does what he wants.’ There was also considerable conflict between the Ksatriya and the Brahmins as they vied for superiority. According to legend, the Ksatriya were destroyed for their tyrannous behaviour by the Parasurama, the sixth reincarnation of Vishnu. Some scholars believe this reflects the long struggle between the priests and the warrior caste which ended in victory for the Brahmins. By the end of the Vedic era they were supreme and the Ksatriya held merely second place. In modern times, the Ksatriya varna contains a broad swathe of caste groups of differing status headed by the aristocratic Rajputs.
— Chris Mann
