In this illuminating work, John Muir examines the origins of the caste system in India, drawing on a wide range of ancient Sanskrit texts. From the mythological accounts of the creation of the four varnas to the historical development of the caste system, Muir provides a thorough analysis of this complex social institution. Originally published in 1872, this book remains a valuable resource for scholars of Indian history and culture. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.