Definition of Vaishyas

In the Hindu varna (class) system, a Vaishya (Sanskrit वैश्य vaiśya) is a member of the third of the four classes of traditional Indian society. It comprises merchants, artisans, and landowners. A person born into a Brahmin/Kshatriya/Vaishya family becomes twice-born (dvija) when he undergoes upanayanam, initiation into Vedic education or education helping them master those parts of the four Vedas concerning their occupation.