kshatriya

See also: Kshatriya

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From Sanskrit क्षत्रिय (kṣatriya, protector of gentle people), from क्षत्र (kṣatra, rule, dominion, authority). Akin to satrap.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈkʃat.ɹi.ə/

Noun

kshatriya (plural kshatriyas)

  1. The second-highest of the four castes or varnas in traditional Hindu society: the warrior or military caste.
  2. A member of this caste.
    • 2006, Karen Armstrong, The Great Transformation, Atlantic Books 2007, p. 307:
      The kshatriya could only hope to become a monk in his next life, but given the nature of his daily karma, it seemed unlikely that he could achieve even this limited goal.
    • "Bṛhannaḍā said, 'It is not the habit of a kṣatriya to flee like this; death in battle is preferable to flight in fear.'" (Mahābhārata: "Virāṭa Parva")

Translations

References

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