Sudama was born in Brahmin Varna (Casteism did exist during those times). His father's name was Matuka and his mother was Rochana Devi. [[Krishna]] was from the royal family. But this difference in socioeconomic status did not come in the way of their education (Gurus in ancient times used to treat all pupils the same). All pupils had to do odd jobs for the Guru and once Krishna and Sudama were in the forest to get wood. It started to rain and so they went under a tree. Sudama had some beaten rice for a snack. Krishna all knowing said he was hungry. Sudama first said that he didn't have anything however seeing Krishna's need shared his rice with him. Lord Krishna told him beaten rice was his favorite snack. Their friendship blossomed. When they grew up they went their separate ways. They lost contact over the years and while Krishna became a powerful part of the ruling family of great repute at Dwaraka, Sudama remained a humble and somewhat impoverished villager.