Mistaken modern idea of the Vaishyas.
The demonstration of the real position of the Vaishyas is important, because the Hindus themselves no longer recognise this.

The name Vaishya is now frequently restricted to the Bania caste of bankers, shopkeepers and moneylenders, and hence the Banias are often supposed to be the descendants and only modern representatives of the original Vaishyas.

Evidence has been given in the article on Bania to show that the existing Bania caste is mainly derived from the Rajputs.

The name Bani, a merchant or trader, is found at an early period, but whether it denoted a regular Bania caste may be considered as uncertain.

In any case it seems clear that this comparatively small caste, chiefly coming from Rajputana, cannot represent the Vaishyas, who were the main body or people of the invading Aryans.