vaisya

1 9.9

Member of the third Hindu caste made up of farmers and traders

noun

Indian

: vaisya

In traditional Hindu society, a vaisya was responsible for commerce and agriculture.

Examples

Many vaisyas became prominent traders in medieval India.
She learned about the roles of the vaisya during her studies of Indian history.
The vaisya community has a rich history.
Many vaisyas play a crucial role in agriculture.
In traditional Hindu society, a vaisya was responsible for commerce and agriculture.
Many vaisyas became prominent traders in medieval India.
She learned about the roles of the vaisya during her studies of Indian history.

Surface Forms

vaisya singular

vaisyas plural

Etymology

Vaisya comes from the Sanskrit word vaiśya, used in ancient India to name the third of four traditional social groups for 'farmers' and 'merchants'. So, vaisya still refers to a person from that group who worked in agriculture or trade.