Question

Into what four castes was Hindu society clearly divided?

Answer 1

I think it is

1. Brahmin: the seers, the reflective ones, the priests.

a. The intellectual and spiritual leaders.

b. In our society, they would correspond to the philosophers, religious leaders, and teachers.

2. Kshatriyas--(pronounced something like "kshot ree yahs") the born administrators (formerly nobles, rajahs, and warriors).

a. The protectors of society.

b. In our society, the politicians, police, and the military.

3. Vaisyas: (pronounced something like "vy sy us") the producers, the craftsmen, artisans, farmers.

a. The skillful producers of material things.

b. In our society, the merchants.

4. Shudras--(pronounced something like "shoo drrahs") the unskilled laborers or laboring class.

a. The followers or the maintenance people.

b. The so-called menial workers or hard laborers.

Answer 2

This is a highly debated topic and there are a lot of narratives and counter-narratives and explanations and justifications of the Hindu caste system. But from what I understand, it was formed on the basis of a theory that there are four kinds of authorities that a person can flaunt in a society 

- Political, Intellectual, Financial and Agricultural.