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The system is understood to have ancient roots — Sanskrit texts from the second millennium BC refer to a practice of dividing individuals into social groups called “varnas.”

The idea of caste is expressed by the Sanskrit term varna, originally denoting “colour,” thereby implying differences of complexion between the several classes.

Thus we have four classes divided upon the basis of colour, or varna, which may correspond with the four great original castes of India.

The word varna was thus used, in the first place, not of four castes, but of two hostile races, one white and the other black.

But there is safety in caste—in varna, which is the old Brahmin name for caste, meaning colour.