Hair and the Caste System in Ancient India

With the arrival of the Aryans in the 15th century BC, the Indus Valley civilization came to an end, marking the beginning of the Vedic Period. During this time, the first sacred texts written in Sanskrit were composed, and the caste system was established. The Vedas prescribed specific hair grooming practices, including the sikha, which involved shaving the entire head except for a lock of hair at the back or side. This style was believed to allow God to pull individuals to Heaven. Over time, this hairstyle became reserved for the Brahmins, the priestly caste. Other people kept their hair long, and upper-caste women adorned their hair with ornaments featuring jewels and gemstones on their foreheads.