In the Hindu caste system, a Vaishya (Sanskrit वैश्य vaiśya, female वैश्या vaiśyā) is a member of the third of the four major castes of the varna system of traditional Indian society, comprising farmers, herders, merchants, and businessmen.
Etymologically, the word derives from the root vish "to settle" and denotes a man who "settles on the soil", i.e. a peasant.
According to the law code of Manu, the Vaishyas are sprung from the belly of Brahma.
See also: Hinduism, Caste, Brahmin, Kshatriya, Shudra, Untouchability, Aryan invasion theory
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