12. This is one of the radical statements of the Gita and an attitude shared by the rest of the Mahabharata: moksha and discipline are not limited to the upper castes but available to "low" caste birth and women. The Vaishyas are the third of the four castes or colors and make up the merchant and skilled craftsmen of society. The Sudras are the lowest caste and make up servants, slaves, and menial laborers. The Brahmanas are the highest caste.