Kshatriya (Sanskrit: क्षत्रिय, kṣatriya from Sanskrit: क्षत्र, kṣatra) or Kashtriya meaning warrior is one of the four varnas (social orders) in Hinduism. शर्म ब्राह्मणस्य वर्म क्षत्रियस्य गुप्तेति वैश्यस्य ). It constituted the military and ruling elite of Vedic-Hindu social system outlined by the Vedas and the Laws of Manu.<br />A Hindu ruler was bound by the holy scriptures to govern as a Dharma-Raja (Just Rule), with main duties being protection of his subjects and livestock.<br />The Rig Veda states:<br />praja arya jyotiragrah'. RV, VII. 33.17<br />People ruled by Aryans are led by the Divine light.<br />King Rama of Ayodhya is considered the greatest of the Dharma-Rajas:<br />arya sarva samascaiva sadaiva priyadarsanah<br />An Aryan who worked for the equality of all, was dear to everyone. Rama is also considered an avatar of Vishnu.<br />The word Arya (Aryan) means "Noble" (Noble/Lord/Perfect/Pure/Excellent...) and was initially only used for Kshatriyas (Kings & Nobles) as it is related to the word "Aristocracy".
