According to an ancient text known as the Rigveda, the division of Indian society was based on Brahma's divine manifestation of four groups.

Priests and teachers were cast from his mouth, rulers and warriors from his arms, merchants and traders from his thighs, and workers and peasants from his feet.There is a notion that all living things inherit certain qaulities. Some inherit wisdom and intelligence, some get pride and passion, and others are stuck with less fortunate traits.