Hindu castes are most often determined by which of the following factors?

Hindu castes are fundamentally linked to occupation, which is why the correct answer is occupation. The caste system is a traditional social hierarchy that has historically divided people into groups based on their work and skills. Each caste typically corresponds to a specific occupation; for example, the highest caste, the Brahmins, were primarily priests and scholars, while the lower castes included various laborers and artisans.

This occupational stratification has influenced social roles, responsibilities, and even marriage within Hindu communities, creating a system where one's profession not only dictates economic status but also social standing. While geographic location, wealth, and religious beliefs may play roles in the broader social context, it is occupation that directly defines the structure of the caste system itself.