savarna

English

Etymology

From Hindi सवर्ण (savarṇ), derived from Sanskrit सवर्ण (savarṇa, “same colour, same caste”).

Noun

savarna (plural savarnas)

1. (India, Hinduism) A member of the Savarna gotra (lineage) of the Brahmin caste.

Adjective

savarna (comparative more savarna, superlative most savarna)

1. (India, Hinduism) From the four varnas (social castes) in Hinduism.

Antonyms

• avarna (outside the Indian caste system)
• Dalit (poorer castes)

Usage notes

The term "savarna" is used by Dalit activists towards Indians from the four social castes, especially members of privileged and upper castes.