According to the texts on dharma, the duty of the fourth class (the Shudras) was to serve the others. According to Hindu tradition, the Veda should not be studied in the presence of Shudras, but they may listen to the recitation of epics and Puranas. They are permitted to perform the five main acts of worship (without Vedic mantras) and undertake observances, but even today they maintain various ceremonies of their own, carried out without Brahmanic assistance.
Yet despite the statements in the texts on dharma, there was considerable fluidity in the status of the castes. Communities such as the Velellas, for instance, are regarded as Shudras by Brahmans but as a high caste by other groups. Gayatri Mantra Yet despite the statements in the texts on dharma, there was considerable fluidity in the status of the castes. Communities such as the Velellas, for instance, are regarded as Shudras by Brahmans but as a high caste by other groups