The Hindu thinkers have assigned various duties and obligations to the members of different varnas. Control of anger, truthfulness, forgiveness, pure conduct, etc. is some of the important duties of four varnas. But there are certain other specific duties that are to be fulfilled by the members of various varnas. Teaching self-control, practice of austeries are the duties of Brahmins, protecting people performing sacrifices and making gifts are some of the specific duties of Kshatriyas. Celebrating sacrifices, and acquiring wealth through fair means are the duties of Vaishyas. Whereas serving the other varnas is the duty of shudras. Shudra is not entitled to recite Vedic mantras.

According to Hindu thinkers, members of all the varnas should perform their respective duties. A similar account of duties has also been given by the great god maheshwara. Thus the common duties to all the varnas are, hospitability towards all, our-suit of dharma, artha and kama, and giving aims and gifts. Then there are specific duties of each Varna. The duties of the Brahmana can be mentioned as observance of fasts, observance of conduct laid down by Vedas, performance of sacrifices, and abstention from injuring any creature. Similarly the duties of Kshatriya are, giving punishment to offenders and helping the distressed. The duties of vaishya are conducting the honest trade and serving the other two varnas. The duty of shudras is to serve the other three varnas.