(Note: This transcript has been edited for readability.)

The caste system in India is a system of order. It was designed to support the microcosm of one's home. Each person in the household had a particular role which was equally respected, and expected of each member of the family.

The Brahmins caste of being an educator and leading religious aspects, one of the merchant class to handle business and sort of the day-to-day operations. One of the warrior caste to protect the family members and protect the community and one of kind of a domestic steward to make sure the household is taken care of, the people in the household are taken care of. These four roles were and are even thought of as very necessary parts of society and therefore, a necessary part of the home.

And when those definitions started to go awry was when there is political or economic backing, favoring one particular caste and role and responsibility over another. And as generations grew it became more of a reason to identify with a Brahmin caste or with a merchant caste, simply for political or economic gain and also to protect one's family in a way.