The Caste System
Bali has a four-caste system, imported by the Majapahit conquerors from Java — but it functions differently than in India:
- Brahmana — priest caste (title: Ida Bagus / Ida Ayu). Provide the holy priests (Pedanda).
- Ksatria/Satria — warrior and ruler caste (title: Anak Agung, Dewa, Cokorda). The old royal families.
- Wesia/Wesya — merchant caste (title: Gusti, I Gusti). Merchants and administrators.
- Sudra/Jaba — about 90% of Balinese. No special title (often I or Ni, then Wayan/Made/Nyoman/Ketut depending on birth order).
The caste system in Bali is less rigid than in India: There are no "untouchables," no job prohibitions, and increasingly more marriages between castes. But the language levels are still relevant today: One speaks to a Brahmana in High Balinese (Basa Singgih), with equals in Middle Balinese, and in everyday life in Low Balinese (Basa Kasar) or Bahasa Indonesia.
The naming convention of the Sudra caste is unique: The first child is named Wayan (or Putu/Gede), the second Made (or Kadek/Nengah), the third Nyoman (or Komang), the fourth Ketut. With the fifth child, the cycle starts over. This explains why in Bali, it feels like every second person is named "Wayan" or "Made."
💡 Tipp
If your driver, your waiter, and your diving instructor are all named "Wayan," it's due to the naming system of the Sudra caste. Ask for the nickname — most Balinese have one to distinguish themselves.