Vaishya, also known as Vaisya, Vanika or Vysyas, is one of the four varnas (social order) of Hinduism. According to Vedic tradition, this order primarily comprises merchants, cattle-herders and artisans. In Hindu beliefs, the duties of a Vaisya, as described by Hindu God Krishna, are krsi (growing food grains), goraksha (cow protection), vanijyam (trade), vaisya karma (work) and svabhavajam (born of his own nature). The Vaisyas eventually became land-owners, money-lenders and influential traders… (More on Vaishya)