Mahabharata

by

Vyasa

Vaiśyas Term Analysis

Vaiśyas are one of the four main classes in society. Typically ranked third, they include merchants and farmers.
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Vaiśyas Term Timeline in Mahabharata

The timeline below shows where the term Vaiśyas appears in Mahabharata. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 1. Beginnings
Dharma Theme Icon
Pursuing Enlightenment Theme Icon
These demons oppressed all classes: Brahmins, Kshatriya, Vaiśyas, and Sudras. Troubled by the demons, Earth sought out Lord Brahma, creator of worlds, for... (full context)
Chapter 12. Tranquility
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Pursuing Enlightenment Theme Icon
Heroism and Warfare Theme Icon
Grief, Loss, and Mourning Theme Icon
...these four classes is particularly important for Brahmins but can also be important for Sudras, Vaiśyas, and Kshatriyas. Because a king has so many subjects, he must understand all classes in... (full context)
Chapter 13. Instruction
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Yudhishthira asks more about Brahmins. Bhishma explains how Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Sudras can become Brahmins only through rebirth, and it is always difficult. (full context)