‘There are several theories regarding the spread of Indian culture to Southeast Asia. Some Indian historians maintained that the existence of many Indian merchant colonies contributed to the spread of Indian culture in the region where assimilation had taken place through marriages with the locals. G. Coedes also agreed that Indian culture came to the region through Indian trading settlements which acted as the diffusion centres of Indian culture, especially with the arrival of Brahmins’ – "Antonio L. Rappa, 2018" Question: India’s caste system is traditionally divided into four categories – the Brahmins, Kshatiyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. Distinguish the four groups and illustrate how the system works.

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