Vaishya (Sanskrit: वैश्य, vaiśya) is one of the four varnas of the Vedic Hindu social order in India. Within the traditional Varna hierarchy, Vaishyas are classed third, following the Brahmins and Kshatriyas.
According to texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, the occupations associated with the Vaishya varna consist mainly of agriculture, the care of cattle, trade and other business pursuits. These vocations have historically positioned Vaishyas as a community engaged in productive and commercial activities within the broader social framework described in the Vedic tradition.
The Vaishya varna is one element of the four-fold scheme described in classical Hindu literature, alongside the Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Shudras. The classification, as set out in these texts, links varna to prescribed duties and livelihoods rather than solely to birth or community identity in every account.
Adapted from the English Wikipedia article on Vaishya.