Bible Encyclopedias
Keshattrya

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

the military caste of the Hindus, sprung from the arm of Brahma, whose office it is to protect their fellows from internal violence and outward assault. Their duties are to defend the people, give alms, and read the Vedas; and at any age up to twenty-two and twenty-four they must be invested with the mark of the caste. It no longer exists, however, as a distinct caste or division of society.