The kshatriyas of ancient Bharata were the warrior administrative caste of vedic society. They governed and ruled kingdoms, protected the citizens from both enemies and dangerous animals and were the organizational force within their own societies. They were well trained in the arts of warfare which included use of weapons, tactics, diplomacy, ethics and moral codes. Their training in all aspects of their duties commenced at a young age where they lived for a time in an ashrama with their teacher who was usually a master of war. There they received guidance and training until they were fully trained.

The colour most favoured by kshatriyas was red which they often wore as a mark of their status in society. And upon rising each day the kshatriya also applied a red kumkum mark signifying valour as belonging to the warrior. Yellow or gold clothing were often worn too. Vedic society had strict rules and injunctions regarding the different castes and in particular, the kshatriya caste, were the only caste allowed to eat meat, take intoxication and gamble with dice.

Most kshatriyas indulged in hunting, a favourite pastime which had a two fold purpose. This gave them the opportunity to practice using their weapons during peacetime to clear the land of dangerous man-killing animals such as tigers, mad elephants and dangerous serpents, etc. It also allowed them to acquire their meat by hunting stags or deer and birds. Cows were sacred and protected by the Kshatriyas so never would they kill this animal.

The vedic literature describes the qualities that should be developed in a kshatriya and to be considered a great warrior one had to have these following attributes:

* souryam - enthusiasm in the battlefield;
* viryam - not to be defeated or embarrassed;
* dhriti - patience, not to be sad even in danger;
* tejah - smartness to defeat or overwhelm others;
* tyaga - charity;
* kshama - tolerance of others faults;
* brahmanyata - devotion to brahmanas;
* prashada - happiness;
* satyam - truthfulness.
* atmajaya - not to be overwhelmed by bodily needs such as hunger, thirst etc.

Some famous Kshatriyas mentioned in the Mahabharata include Arjuna, Drona, Bhisma, Karna, Satyaki, Parasurama, Bhima, Abimanyu and many others...