What were the different classes of ancient india

The classes, or castes, of ancient India were the brahmins, kshatriyas, vaisyas and sudras. The brahmins were the priest class, the kshatriyas the ruler and warrior class, the vaisyas the merchants, artisans, farmers, etc., and the sudras the peasants and laborers. There were also the “untouchables.” They were the people who did not belong to any of the formal castes, and were thus looked down upon. They were typically given the occupations that members of the other castes found dishonorable or unclean.