Final answer:
In the Hindu caste system, one's dharma, or sacred duty, is determined by their varna, or social class, which dictates their occupation and social obligations. The system is upheld by religious beliefs in karma and reincarnation, with a person's caste believed to be a result of their past actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the Hindu caste belief system, one's dharma or sacred duty is determined by his varna or social class. The dharma is the law, obligation, or duty that each individual must follow according to their caste. The varnas are the social classes of the Hindu caste system and include the Brahmins (priests and teachers), the Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), the Vaishyas (traders and agriculturalists), the Sudras (laborers and service providers), and the Dalits (formerly known as Untouchables). Accepting one's dharma and fulfilling the duties it implies is considered important for the balance of the universe as per Hindu beliefs. The caste system is interwoven with the cultural values and religious beliefs in karma and reincarnation, meaning that a person's social standing is believed to result from their actions in past lives.
A person's occupation and social obligations, including marriage, are typically determined by the caste into which they are born. Over time, the caste system expanded into thousands of sub-castes. Despite changes throughout history, the caste system's fundamental principles have remained intact in many areas, especially in rural parts of Asia.
The belief in caste-based duties and the social hierarchy is not only a cultural construct but also has religious underpinnings, further strengthening its influence on the lives of those who practice Hinduism.