how they came to be the fourth Varna in the Indo-Aryan society Ambedkar, B. R. creator author. New Delhi Prabhat Prakashan 2025 eng xvi, 336 pages ; 22 cm. The book Who Were the Shudras? is one of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar's most influential historical studies on the origin of the Shudras and the caste system in ancient India. Using evidence from Vedic texts and historical sources, Ambedkar argues that the Shudras were originally Kshatriyas whose social status declined due to conflicts with the Brahmins. The work offers a critical reinterpretation of Indian social history and remains an essential resource for the study of caste, Hindu society, and social justice. Preface -- Introduction -- The origin of the Shudras -- The Aryan social order -- The theory of the four varnas -- Brahmins and Kshatriyas -- Historical evidence from Vedic literature -- The decline in the status of the Shudras -- The evolution of caste -- Conclusions. B. R. Ambedkar. Originally published in 1946. Includes bibliographical references and index. Śūdras Caste India Caste History Social classes India India Social conditions 305.5122 AMB/W 9789355711809 (paperback) IN-BhIIT 260804 20260804132734.0 11530