n.
or Ksatriya
In Hindu India, the second-highest of the four varnas , or social classes, traditionally the military or ruling class.
In ancient times before the caste system was completely defined, they were considered first in rank, placed higher than the Brahmans , or priestly class. The legend that they were degraded by an incarnation of Vishnu as a punishment for their tyranny may reflect a historical struggle for supremacy between priests and rulers. In modern times the Kshatriya varna includes members from a variety of castes, united by their status in government or the military or their land ownership.