How many castes are there in Hinduism?

In Hinduism, the traditional caste system is organized into four primary categories known as "varnas." These varnas are:

1. Brahmins - priests and teachers, typically associated with spiritual knowledge and rituals.

2. Kshatriyas - warriors and rulers, responsible for protection and governance.

3. Vaishyas - merchants and landowners, engaged in commerce and agriculture.

4. Shudras - laborers and service providers, tasked with supporting the other three varnas through various forms of work.

While there are additional sub-castes or jatis within these four main categories, the core structure of the caste system is considered to consist of four varnas. This framework has played a significant role in social stratification within Hindu society throughout history. Thus, identifying the number of main castes as four aligns with the historical and sociological understanding of this system in Hinduism.