Which of the following is NOT one of the four varnas in Hindu society?

In Hindu societal structure, the concept of varnas refers to the four fundamental categories that classify individuals based on their roles and responsibilities. These four varnas are:

1. Brahmins – traditionally priests and teachers, they are tasked with spiritual and educational duties.

2. Kshatriyas – warriors and rulers, responsible for protection and governance.

3. Vaishyas – merchants and landowners, involved in agriculture, commerce, and business.

4. Shudras – the laborers, serving the other three varnas.

The correct answer is Sadhus, as they are not classified as a varna. Sadhus are ascetic practitioners, renouncing worldly life in the pursuit of spiritual goals. While they may belong to any of the varnas based on their birth, their lifestyle and spiritual practices categorize them separately rather than aligning them with the traditional varna system.

Understanding this distinction highlights the layered complexity of Hindu society, where the varna system defines roles and duties, while the ascetic lifestyle of sadhus represents a voluntary rejection of these societal classifications in favor of spiritual pursuits.