Pronunciation: [ʃˈʌdɹə] (IPA) 
The word "shudra" is a term used in Hinduism to describe the lowest of the four castes. It is spelled as /ˈʃʊdrə/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced like "shook" without the "k" sound, and the second syllable is pronounced like "druh". The phonetic transcription helps to clarify the pronunciation of the word, as the spelling "shudra" may not be immediately clear to those unfamiliar with the term.
Shudra is a term derived from the traditional Hindu caste system in India, which categorizes individuals into four primary castes based on their social and occupational status. As the lowest-ranking varna or caste within this system, the Shudras represent the laboring class usually engaged in menial and manual tasks. The term "shudra" literally translates to "laborer" or "servant" in Sanskrit.
Shudras traditionally have occupations such as farming, artisans, and other low-skilled professions that are considered essential but are often undervalued within the society. While all castes have specific duties and responsibilities outlined by their respective varna, Shudras often face societal discrimination and marginalization due to their lower social status.
Historically, Shudras have faced limited educational and economic opportunities, restricted social mobility, and have been subject to various forms of social and economic exploitation. However, it is important to note that the Indian Constitution, promulgated in 1950, abolished the caste system and introduced measures to eliminate discrimination and promote social justice.
It is crucial to acknowledge that these traditional caste divisions are not legally recognized today, and efforts have been made to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all individuals regardless of their background. Nevertheless, remnants and social stigmas associated with the Shudra caste continue to persist in certain parts of Indian society, despite ongoing efforts for social and legal reform.
The word "shudra" is derived from the Sanskrit language, which is an ancient Indo-Aryan language from the Indian subcontinent. In Sanskrit, "shudra" (शूद्र) is a term used to designate the fourth varna, or social class, in the traditional Hindu caste system.
The etymology of "shudra" can be traced back to the Sanskrit root word "shud", which means "to purify" or "to cleanse". It is believed that the term initially referred to individuals who performed menial and labor-intensive tasks in society, including activities related to physical cleanliness. Over time, "shudra" became associated with individuals who belonged to the lowest social class in the caste system and were considered servants or laborers.
