क्षत्रिय, kṣatriya from Sanskrit: क्षत्र, kṣatra) is one of the four varnas (social orders) in Hinduism. The word “Kshatriya” is derived from the words for “power” and “ruler.” Members of this caste have traditionally ruled over the communities and Indian society. Ideally, a Kshatriya ruler would have been just and merciful, governing the community with inherent ruling qualities granted by his varna. It was also common for children born into the Kshatriya caste to be extensively educated in statecraft and history, to ensure that they would make sound rulers. The Kshatriya dharma propagates that it is the duty of every Kshatriya to fight against injustice. Their origin can be traced back to the Vedic Civilization. However, there is more than one theory that explains their evolution. The first version has its roots in the Hindu Mythology. According to this while Lord Brahma was creating the universe it was decided that a special kind of human race would have to be created to save and protect the humans. Thus the Kshatriyas came into existence.

Under the Hindu caste system, a Kshatriya is a ruler or warrior and members of the Kshatriya caste have held power for centuries in India. Although the caste system has been drastically modified through legislation and social reform in India, it is not uncommon to see Kshatriyas in public office in India, since they have been associated with power and ruling for so long. Kshatriyas were considered to be the descendents of Lord Surya, Lord Agni or Chandra. For instance Lord Rama was Suryavanshi or the descendent of Sun Dynasty while Lord Krishna belonged to the Lunar Dynasty or Chandravansh.

In addition to holding power in the form of leadership, Kshatriyas were also warriors. Members of the caste were responsible for defending Indian society and upholding justice and always fought for the betterment of society. The caste held an essential monopoly on military education and defense training for many generations.

It is perhaps no mere coincidence that Mahavira and Gautama, the founders of Jainism and Buddhism respectively, were of this social category i.e. they were born in the Kshatriya family. It can be argued that their spiritual voyages in the sixth century B . C . were both prompted by reaction to the excessive ritualism that marked the Vedic sacrifice of the purohita (priests). Some centuries later there was a general understanding that Kshatriyas would abstain from wordly pleasures while they fought to protect the polity and the Brahmans’ place in it.