GThere were no caste systems in the Rmayana period - if we closely look at it people were respected and revered for their knowledge and achievements only rather than any mention of the caste - e.g. Sage Valmiki was not a Brahmin but revered by Brahmins as well. Lord Rama was a Khatriya, Krishna was a Yadav, Sage Vishwamithra and Sage Vasishta, the most revered sages were the ones who educated Rama and gave him the most powerful weapons to him. The society was having four wings to carry out specific tasks : 1. Brahimns - Education, Havana etc. and carry out intellectual works. 2. Vaishyas : Cater to the demand and Supply requiremtns of the soceity - (business) 3. Kshatriyas : Provide Protection to the nation. 4. Shudras : Carry out the Physical works - labour etc. which are essential for the survival of any soceity. all the four wings needed and depeneded on each other and had mutual respects. there were no restrictions nor untouchability durint those days. the very fact that sage Vishwamithra was a King (Kshatriya) and became became a brahmin after Tapasya itself proves that brahminism was not by birth but a qualification or achievement. Later on this system must have brought about a change in the soceity which developed the ugly caste system. The present day politicians have made the best (?) use of this caste system to divide the society and (mis)rule.. And Self serving people like Karunanidhi further divided the society with Dravidian and Aryan theories...
