Shudra — is a member of a varna of craftsmen and servants. This is the lowest varna in the Hindu social order of the four varnas. Unlike the Brahmans, the Kshatriyas and the Vayshyas, the Shudras did not belong to those twice-born (dvija) and therefore were not allowed to study the Vedas. Besides, they had no right to take part in political and religious life of the country and were subjected to more severe punishment for a crime.