Varna Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🏙️

Add to dictionary

varna

[ˈvɑːrnə ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

city

A city in eastern Bulgaria, on the Black Sea coast.

Synonyms

city, metropolis, urban center.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
varna	Duplicate entry. See first definition.
city	A general term for any large and significant town. It can be used in a wide range of contexts, including discussions about living environments, infrastructure, or demographics. New York City is known for its vibrant cultural scene. Living in a city often means having access to better amenities.
metropolis	Often used to describe a very large and densely populated city that serves as an economic, political, and cultural center for a region. It carries a connotation of grandeur and significant influence. Tokyo is a bustling metropolis with a population of over 13 million. The metropolis offers endless opportunities for career growth.
urban center	This term emphasizes the central part of a city where business, commerce, and social activities are highly concentrated. It is often used in discussions related to urban planning, economics, and sociology. The urban center is always busy, with people commuting to work. Developers are investing heavily in the city's urban center.

Examples of usage

I visited Varna last summer.
Varna is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

shipping

A unit of weight used in some countries, equal to 100 kilograms.

Synonyms

measure, metric, unit of weight.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
varna	Varna is a Sanskrit term often used in contexts related to ancient Indian society and spirituality. It's associated with traditional Indian social divisions. In ancient Indian texts, the concept of varna plays a significant role. The varna system classified people into different groups based on their roles and duties.
unit of weight	Unit of weight is a specific term used when discussing measurements related to weight. It usually refers to standard measures such as grams, kilograms, pounds, etc. The recipe calls for 200 grams, which is a common unit of weight in cooking. A pound is a common unit of weight in the United States.
measure	Use 'measure' when referring to determining the size, amount, or degree of something. It is a general term applicable to various contexts, including science, cooking, and everyday activities. You need to measure the length of the table before buying a cloth. Scientists measure the temperature to study climate change.
metric	Metric is used in the context of measurement systems, often referring to the international metric system, or to quantify performance in business and technology. We use the metric system for all our engineering calculations. Key performance metrics are essential for evaluating the success of a project.

Examples of usage

The cargo weighed 2 varnas.
The shipment was measured in varnas.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

Hinduism

A Sanskrit word for caste or social class.

Synonyms

caste, hierarchy, social class.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
varna	Used chiefly in the context of traditional Hindu society for describing the fourfold division of Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. In ancient Indian texts, the varna system is described as the basis of social order. The concept of varna plays a crucial role in understanding historical Indian society.
caste	Refers to any rigid social stratification, particularly in the context of India, but can also apply to similar systems in other societies. Often has a negative connotation due to its association with discrimination. People of lower castes have historically faced significant discrimination. The caste system in India is an important topic in social studies.
social class	Usually refers to divisions in society based on socioeconomic status, such as wealth, education, and occupation. Social class can significantly affect individuals' opportunities and lifestyles. In the novel, the characters' behaviors were influenced by their social class.
hierarchy	Used in a broader sense to describe any system where members are ranked according to status or authority in various contexts, including businesses, organizations, and societies. The corporate hierarchy determines who makes strategic decisions. Many animals exhibit a social hierarchy within their groups.

Examples of usage

The varna system divides society into four main classes.
One's varna is determined by birth.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

'Varna' is part of the traditional Indian caste system, influencing social hierarchy and interactions.
Each 'varna' has its own set of duties and responsibilities, ranging from intellectual to physical labor.
While 'varna' is deeply rooted in Hindu texts, it affects various aspects of life in Indian culture, including marriage and community decisions.

Historical Context

The classification has been prominent since the Vedic period in India, marking social organization for over two millennia.
Multiple historical reform movements sought to challenge and redefine the rigidity of the 'varna' system, advocating for equality.
Modern Indian society still grapples with the legacies of the 'varna' system, striving toward a more egalitarian approach.

Literature

Numerous ancient texts, such as the Rigveda, detail the responsibilities associated with each 'varna' and reflect the socio-economic dynamics of the time.
Contemporary literature often critiques or explores the implications of 'varna', highlighting its continuing relevance in social discussions.
Works of fiction and scholarship delve into the stories of individuals navigating their identities within the 'varna' framework.

Social Dynamics

'Varna' influences social relationships, often determining personal interactions, friendships, and community structures.
Many societies around the world have similar forms of social organization, although not using the exact same term or system.
Understanding 'varna' can provide insights into the complexities of race, class, and identity in various cultures.

Origin of 'varna'

Main points about word origin

The term 'varna' comes from ancient Sanskrit meaning 'color', which historically indicated different roles in society.
In the ancient texts, 'varna' was linked to the different types of work people did, much like today we see jobs categorized.
Over time, the meaning of 'varna' evolved, and it began to signify more structured social classes rather than just roles.

The word 'varna' has its origins in Sanskrit, where it originally meant 'color' or 'class'. In Hinduism, the term evolved to represent the four main social classes in society. Over time, 'varna' also came to be used as a unit of weight in certain countries. In modern usage, 'varna' is commonly associated with the city of Varna in Bulgaria, known for its maritime importance and cultural significance.