INDIA, April 21, 2016 (Swarajya Magazine by Swami Venkataraman): The Hindu sacred texts clearly relate varnas to the guna i.e., behavior and character, rather than the birth. The argument against the notion that a hierarchical caste system is “divinely inspired” and “intrinsic” to Hinduism is powerful and profound. The 90th Sukta of the 10th mandala in the Rig Veda, talks about the entire universe as the body of God (Purusha), and of all creation as emerging from only Him; proving the hierarchy based theory wrong.
Underlying the discourse on caste (an inaccurate and misleading term that conflates the distinct concepts of the four varnas and the numerous jatis), is an assertion that the caste system, along with its in-built hierarchy and discrimination, is intrinsic to the practice of Hinduism. While sloganeering often revolves around opposing Manuwad or burning the Manusmriti, the more formal criticism leveled by academics and activists, and thus reflected in the media is rooted from the idea that the caste system is divinely inspired.
Many hone on making one verse in the “Purusha Sukta” of the Rig Veda, one of the most chanted hymns of the entire Vedic corpus; as an evidence that the Vedas are themselves conceived of a hierarchical and a discriminatory caste system. But does the Purusha Sukta really do so? This is not mere academic curiosity. The solution to any problem relies on a correct diagnosis and even as they acknowledge the social history of caste-based discrimination in India, it is important for Hindus, and non-Hindus, to know whether the Sukta really does sanction a birth-based hierarchy.
Much more at “source” where the author argues Purusha Sukta does not sanction birth-based hierarchy.