Other Spellings : Kshatriya
Other Surnames : Traditional surnames for Vaishyas include Gupta, Bhuti, Agarwal, Oswal, Porwad, Maheshwari, Khanna, Barnwal, Vohra, Bohra, Kapoor and Ahir.
Religion : Hindu
Varna : Vaishya are third of the four major castes of the Varna system of traditional Indian society.
Language : Hindi
Regional Spread : Spread all over India, mainly, North-India
Traditional Occupation : Merchants, artisans, landowners and businessmen
Founder : Lord Brahma, according to legends
Food Habits : Most prefer a vegetarian diet
Marriage Preference : Prefer marriage within their community
Traditionally described as commoners, Vaishyas are connected with productive labor, such as trade, agriculture, and pastoralism. According to legend, they sprang from the thighs of Prajapati, after the Brahmans and the Kshatriyas but before the Shudras. Like the two higher classes, they are "twice-born".
According to the Manu-smriti, the Vaishyas are sprung from the belly of Brahma. Hence, Vaisyas are likened to the belly of society and farming, cow protection and business are the natural work or dharma for the vaisyas.
Etymologically, the word derives from the root 'vish' meaning, "to work". In Buddhist literature, they are termed as Grihapati. The color associated with this Varna is yellow, symbolizing Rajas/Tamas, meaning quality in general. Vaishyas are credited historically with favoring the rise of the reformist religious beliefs of Buddhism and Jainism. In modern times they have become a symbol of middle-class prestige, and many rise to higher classes.