A few questions about varna and caste systems.

by Questions4historians

I have heard it claimed that varna and caste system are different, and that caste system was the invention of the British, specifically one Sir Herbert Hope Risley. Is this true?

I have also heard it claimed that varna system was highly fluid and allowed a great degree of mobility. Was this carried out in practise?

Was there varna based discrimination before the supposed invention of caste? What did that look like?

MaharajadhirajaSawai

There may be more answers to this question here,

But try looking at this answer and the ensuing discussion, about the caste system and the influences of British rule on it

Also, this answer

Helps in understanding the development of varna and caste, the dynamics, social mobility and power structures among other things