Manu, the Vedic sage, originated the caste system with four main categories according to their characteristics;

• Shudras - Those serving the human society

• Vaishyas - Those with skills and abilities which enabled them to be engaged in trade, commerce and business

• Kshatriyas - those who administrate and execute projects to protect the community at large

• Brahmins - Those who are contemplative and philosophical and impart knowledge

By merit a person could rise from a lower group to a higher group and by crime and anti-social behaviour descend groups. Manu said, "Neither birth nor sacraments, study nor ancestry can decide whether a person is a Brahmin or not. Character and conduct alone can decide."

Lord Swaminarayan manifested as a Brahmin. However He refuted the idea of segregated discrimination and had followers from all aspects of society from the poor to the kings.