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
These demons oppressed all classes: Brahmins, Kshatriya, Vaiśyas, and Sudras. Troubled by the demons, Earth sought out Lord Brahma, creator of worlds, for...
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Chapter 12. Tranquility
...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...
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Chapter 13. Instruction
Yudhishthira asks more about Brahmins. Bhishma explains how Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Sudras can become Brahmins only through rebirth, and it is always difficult.
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