Meaning of the term Nalavajativaru or Sudras used during VijayNagar Empire
During the Vijayanagara Empire, which existed from the 14th to 17th centuries in South India, the term “Nalavajativaru” or “Sudras” was used to refer to the lowest social caste or varna in the traditional Hindu caste system.
The Sudras were primarily involved in manual labor and were considered to be the servants of the upper castes, such as the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas. They were prohibited from studying the Vedas, the sacred texts of Hinduism, and were generally excluded from participation in many aspects of religious and social life.
Despite their low social status, the Sudras played an important role in the economy of the Vijayanagara Empire. They were engaged in various occupations such as farming, cattle rearing, pottery, weaving, and other forms of manual labor. They also served as soldiers in the army and as laborers in the construction of public works such as roads, canals, and temples.
During the Vijayanagara Empire, the Sudras were subject to discrimination and oppression by the upper castes. However, the empire also had a system of social mobility, whereby individuals could rise up the social ladder through education, military service, and other forms of merit-based advancement.
Today, the legacy of the Sudras and their contributions to the Vijayanagara Empire continue to be an important part of the cultural and historical heritage of South India. The caste system, however, has been officially abolished in modern India, and steps have been taken to promote greater social equality and inclusivity.