India's caste system has four main classes (also called varnas) based originally on personality, profession, and birth. In descending order, the classes are as follows:
•Brahmana (now more commonly spelled Brahmin): Consist of those engaged in scriptural education and teaching, essential for the continuation of knowledge.
•Kshatriya: Take on all forms of public service, including administration, maintenance of law and order, and defense.
•Vaishya: Engage in commercial activity as businessmen.
•Shudra: Work as semi-skilled and unskilled laborers.
The most obvious problem with this system was that under its rigidity, the lower castes were prevented from aspiring to climb higher, and, therefore, economic progress was restricted.