Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Varṇa System in Ancient India
Dr. Subhash Chandra Assistant Professor Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, Delhi, India Email: [email protected] Web: http://sanskrit.du.ac.in/faculty/subhash.html Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India In this lecture……
. Varna System . Origin of the Varna System . Theories of Origin of Varna System . Development of Varna System . Traditional Varna and Their Duties (Dharma) Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Varna System
Varṇa (वर्ण) is a Sanskrit word which means type, order, colour or class.
The term refers to social classes
It classified the society.
Varna is the base of the Social Division in Hindu Society to Perform the Various duties and Task of the Society.
It was a system to distributes the work to manage the society. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Varna System
According the Ancient Indian Sanskrit Texts Hindu the society was distributed into four Varnas.
Four varnas ware Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra.
Earlier this division was based on duties and task.
But later is was considered based on birth.
Finally in Mahabharata and Ramayana Periods both types (based on duties and by birth) were considered by the society. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Varna System
The major objective of the Varna system was to perform the assigned duties and responsibilities and grow the society without any animosity.
Verna System is a sociological system of Ancient India.
Verna System is a sociological system of Ancient India.
By the Varna System human grow the family, group, society and country by the performing the assigned tasks and responsibilities.
Varna system makes healthy environments in the society. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Origin of the Varna System
The word Verna (वर्ण) originated from the Sanskrit verb root “'वृ'” which mean “to select/to choose”.
Therefore, it mean carrier selection / task selection / responsibility selection.
The concept is generally traced to the Purusha Sukta verse of the Rigveda. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Origin of the Varna System
The word appears in the Rigveda, where it means "colour, outward appearance, exterior, form, figure or shape“
Varna contextually means "colour, race, tribe, species, kind, sort, nature, character, quality, property" of an object or people in some Vedic and medieval texts.
Varna refers to four social classes in the Manusmriti.
The word means "color, tint, dye or pigment" in the Mahabharata. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Vedas
Rigveda states that the earlier the society was divided into two classes: Arya and Dasyu.
Then only three classes: Brahma, Kshatra and Visha were evolved.
The Purush Sukta 10th Mandal of Rigveda states that all four Varnas produced by the Virat Purusha.
The Virat Purush was divided into mouth, arms, thighs and feet.
The Brahman was Virat Purusha’s mouth.
Both of his arms was Rajanya (Kshatriya) was formed.
His thighs became the Vaishya.
And Shudra was produced from his feet Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Vedas
ब्राह्मर्ोऽस्य मुखमासीद्बा राजन्यः कृतः ।
ऊ셂 तदस्य यद्वैश्यः पद्भ्ाां शूद्रोऽजायतः ॥
(ऋ嵍वेद सांहिता, मण्डल 10, सूक्त 90, ऋचा 12)
This Purusha Sukta varna verse is now generally considered to have been inserted at a later date into the Vedic text, possibly as a charter myth.
In the post-Vedic period, the varna division is described in the Dharmashastra literature, Mahabharata and in the Puranas. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Development of Varna System The Early Vedic (Rigvedic) Period (2500/1500- 1200 BCE) Earlier the society was divided into two major categories: Arya: Educated Class / Intellectuals Dasyu: Uneducated Class / Workers Later the society was divided into three major categories: Brahma Kshatra Visha Finally at the end of Rigvedic Period the evidence shown in the 10.90.12 (Purush Sukta) the four Varnas. This is the oldest evidence of the Varna system where four Varnas appeared together. Brahman, Rajanya (instead of Kshatriya), Vaishya and Shudra classes formed from the mouth, arms, thighs and feet of the cosmic Purusha. Based on linguistics evidence, few scholars has considered that the Purush Suktas of Rigveda has been inserted at a later date into the Vedic text. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Development of Varna System
The Rigvedic Period (2500/1500- 1200 BCE) In the Rigvedic Period Varna system was based on Duties or Karma. का셁रिां ततो हिषगुपलप्रहिर्ी नना । नानाहियोवसूयवोऽनु गा इव तहस्िमन्द्रायेन्दो परर स्रव ।। 9.112.3 I am a musician, my family (father& Son) are medical practioners healing diseases, my mother grinds corn to make our food. We all perform our duties to make our contribution to sustain the society, like a cow sustains us all. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Later-Vedic Period (1100-500 BCE)
The four Varnas has well developed in this period. In this period the differentiation started between the Varnas. Different types Yajyopavit has introduced to recognised the Brahmana, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudra. Brahmanas were considered as supreme Varnas and got the 1st position in society. They have also treated as God. They are the only Varna who can perform the various religious procedure. Without them anyone can not complete the religious procedures. They were the priest of King. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Later-Vedic Period (1100-500 BCE)
Kshatriya was second position in the Society. They perform the battle, protection and ruling for the society.
Vaishyas got the third position in the Society. Main duties of the Vaishyas were animal husbandry, Agriculture and Business.
Shudras were considered the fourth position in the Society. They can only perform the server of the three Varnas. In this period they were declared to not eligible to perform any Religious activities. But they had the Right of Education during this period. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Later-Vedic Period (1100-500 BCE)
The later Vedic texts fixed social boundaries, roles, status and ritual purity for each of the groups.
The Shatapatha Brahmana associates the Brahmana with good conduct, glory and teaching.
Kshatriya with strength, fame, ruling, and warfare.
Vaishya with material prosperity and production-related activities such as cattle rearing and agriculture.
Shudras with the service of the higher varnas. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Later-Vedic Period (1100-500 BCE)
The hierarchy of the top three varnas is ambiguous in the later Vedic texts.
Panchavamsha Brahmana and verse 13.8.3.11 of the Shatapatha Brahmana place Kshatriya over Brahmana and Vaishya.
Whereas, verse 1.1.4.12 places Brahmana and Vaishya over the Kshatriya and Shudra. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Dharmashastra/Sutra Period (600 BCE to 300 BCE)
Varna system is extensively discussed in Dharma-sastras.
The constitutional rules and regulations were documented in this period.
The duties of each Varnas were defined and documented.
Even King was advised to implement duties of each Varnas.
Varnas were considered based on Birth not Duty or Karma.
The feeling of inequality were developed in the society.
The punishments system were developed for various Varnas.
The Rights and Facilities of Brahamansa were increased. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Dharmashastra/Sutra Period (600 BCE to 300 BCE)
The first three varnas are described in the Dharmasastras as "twice born" and they are allowed to study the Vedas.
They were called “dwija”.
The status of shudras become very sine.
They were left on the mercy of first three Varnas.
The rights and facilities were ended of Shudras.
They were not eligible to education and Samskaras. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Dharmashastra/Sutra Period (600 BCE to 300 BCE)
Finally, Jainism and Buddhism evolved in this period.
They opposed the Varna System by birth and considered by Duty or karma.
Kshatriya and Vashyas were considered equal to Brahamans.
In Buddhism, the Kshatriya were considered supreme to Brahmans.
Vaishyas were become very rich.
But the status of Shudras were not changed. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Dharmashastra/Sutra Period (600 BCE to 300 BCE)
Generally the nature of the Varna System found in this period were followed till long times.
The texts written in this period regarding the duties and responsibilities of each Varnas.
The Inter Varnas Marriages were allowed and there are lots of Hybrid Castes were evolved in the society.
There are two another types of marriages were introduced called Anulom and Pratilom It was the sign the better social status of the society. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Ramayana & Mahabharata Period (400 BCE to 250/200 BCE)
Varna system was seen as Later Vedic Period.
That is not fully based on by Duties and fully based on by birth.
Both examples were seen in this period.
Mahabharata showing the status of Shudras were improving.
They can participate in Politics, Agricultures, Business even society was advised to take knowledge from Shudras as well.
Vidur, Matanga and Karna were the examples they have established their good social status in the society by the performing duties and responsibilities. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Traditional Varnas, Their Duties and Punishments
Ancient Hindu Society were distributed into four Varnas: Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra.
There are three types of social responsibilities and duties were prescribed to the people.
General/Moral Duties and responsibilities.
Varna specific responsibilities and duties.
Duties in Emergency/Distress/crisis period (Apaddharma) Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Traditional Varnas, Their Duties and Punishments
General/Moral Duties and responsibilities includes the moral values: Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Traditional Varnas, Their Duties and Punishments As per Mahabharata:
Always speak truth
Dont show anger
Fair Play
Forgiveness
Make relation with own wife
Holy Conduct
Do not fight
Honesty
Nurturing the dependents Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Traditional Varnas,Their Duties and Punishments
As per Arthsastra:
Nonviolence
Always speak truth
Holy Conduct
Not jealous
Give Donation to needy person
Forgiveness Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Special Duties of Brahmanas
As per Arthsastra there were six duties assigned to Brahmanas:
Study (अध्ययन) Teaching (अध्यापन) Perform the Yajna for self (यज्ञ करना) To do Yajna for society (यज्ञ कराना) Take donation (दान लेना) Give donation (दान देना) स्विमो ब्रािमर्स्याध्ययनमध्यापनां यजनां दानां प्रहतग्रिश्चेहत । अिणशास्त्र 1, 3 Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Special Duties of Brahmanas
As per Mahabharata:
Teaching (अध्यापन) Self-control (आत्महनयन्रर्) Tenacity (तप) Are the duties of Brahmanas Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Special Duties of Brahmanas
As per Geeta:
Restriction of senses शम (इहन्द्रयों का हनग्रि) Suppression of the senses दम (इहन्द्रयों का दमन) Purification (शुहि) Tenacity (तप) Forgiveness (िमािाव) Simplicity (सरलता) Intellects (ज्ञान-हवज्ञान) Theism (आहस्तकता) शमो दमस्तपः शौचां िाहन्तराणजवमेव च । ज्ञानां हवज्ञानमाहस्त啍यां ब्रह्मकमणस्विावजम् ॥ गीता, 18.41 Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Special Duties of Brahmanas
As per Manusmriti:
Study (अध्ययन) Teaching (अध्यापन) were the main duties of brahmanas Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Special Duties of Brahmanas
Based on these descriptions we can say the Brahmans were treated as higher position by their knowledge. That's why they were exempted from the punishments. Brahmans were posted on the position on the Ministers and Purohitas in the society. Without them no religious activities could not performed. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Duties in Emergency/crisis/Distress (Apaddharma) of Brahmanas In the crisis Brahmans can adopt the all duties of Kshatriyas and selected duties of vaishayas. They can wield weapons when their life is in danger. They have right to join armed forces and be an administrator/ruler. If still they are unable to survive then they can adopt selected duties of vaishyas such as agriculture, animal husbandry and business to survive. But they can not adopt all duties of vaishays such as if they are starting business they can not sale liquor, salt, til, honey, meat, cooked food, animal, human etc. and they can not give the loan on interest. In the Sanskrit drama text Mricchakatika the Charudatta also survived by Business. The agriculture is prescribed for brahamanas in the parasharsmriti. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Duties in Emergency/crisis/Distress (Apaddharma) of Brahmanas
Among the heroes of the Mahabharata, there are great warriors and commanders like Drona, his son Asvatthaman, Krpacharya (the maternal uncle of Asvatfchaman) who were brahmanas. The Mahabharata says that a brahmana should fight at the order of the king. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Punishment for Brahmanas
Generally Brahmanas were exempted from any types of punishments. Gautam Dharmasutra (गौतम िमणसूर) advised the King to do not give the six types of punishments to Brahmanas: Physical torture (शारीररक यातना) Jail (कारावास) Fines (जुमाणना) Deportation/expatriation (देश-हनष्कासन) Insult (अपमान) Death penalty (मृत्युडण्ड) Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Punishment for Brahmanas
According to Kautilya’s Arthshastra, The Brahmanas must not be punished in any case. On the place of punishment the symbol related to offense must be marked on his forehead. Figure of the dog to be created for theft. Figure of the head less dead body for murder. Figure of drinks glass for Misbehave with teacher’s wife and drinking liquor. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Special Duties of Kshatriyas
The second most important was Kshatriya. As per Mahabharata there were four duties assigned to Kshatriyas : Study, Protection of the people, performing yajna and give the donation. In Geeta, Lord Shrikrishna has also told the Bravery, dignity (तेज), Patience, tactics (cleverness), no escape from war zone, Charitable and god worship are the major duties of Kshatriyas. शौयं तेजो िृहतदाणक्ष्यां युिे चाप्यलायनम् । दानमीश्वरिावश्च िारां कमण स्विावजाम् ॥ गीता 18.43 Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Special Duties of Kshatriyas
As per Arthshastras studies, survive by arms and protect all livings are the main responsibilities of Kshatriyas.
िहरयस्याध्ययनां यजनां दानां शस्त्रजीवो िूतरिर्ां च । अिणशास्त्र, 1.3 Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Special Duties of Kshatriyas
As per Manusmriti protection of the people, donation, perform yajna, study of Vedas and detachment from the objects are the main responsibilities of Kshatriyas. प्रजानामरिर्ां दानां इ煍याऽध्ययनमेव च । हवषयेष्व प्रसहक्तश्च िहरयस्य समासतः ॥ मनु. 1.89
In the period of bauddha the Kshatriyas were supreme to the brahamanas. But they dont have the right of teach Vedas, take donation and do the yajna for society. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Duties in Emergency/crisis/Distress (Apaddharma) of Kshatriyas
In the crisis Kshatriyas can adopt the selected duties of Vaishayas such as agriculture, animal husbandry and business to survive. But they can not adopt all duties of vaishays such as if they are starting business they can not do the selling business of liquor, salt, til, honey, meat, cooked food, animal, human etc. and they can not give the loan on interest. They can not do the selling business of Glass, bone, leather and iron Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Special Duties of Vaishyas
The third Varna of the society was Vaishaya. They were the Lord of wealth and property As per Mahabharata, their main duties were study, give the donation, perform the yajna and Earn money rightly. In the Geeta, their real duties were agriculture, protection of cow and business. कृहष गोरक्ष्य वाहर्煍यां वैश्यकमण स्विावजम् । Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Special Duties of Vaishyas
In the Kautiliya Arthshastra, their main duties were study, perform yajna and give the donation. Later due to discontinuation from learning few Vaishyas are recognized as Shudras. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Duties in Emergency/crisis/Distress (Apaddharma) of Vaishyas
In the crisis Vishyas can adopt the duties of Kshatriyas and Shudras to survive. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Special Duties of Shudras The fourth and Lower Varna of the society was Shudra. The main duties of the Shudras were to serve the Brahmanas, Kshatriyas and Vaishyas. They were considered very lower class and untouchable. They dont have the right to do Samskarasa and any right. Their life was fully depend on the mercy of their owners. Their status was very good till the post vedic period. They can not participate in the Political life. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Special Duties of Shudras
Mahabharata stated their good status. They can present in the religious activities. The rules of rigorous punishment for Shudra were made. It is mentioned in Apstamb and Baudhayana Dharmasutra that the person who killed Shudra is the only punishment for the killing of crows, owls, frogs, dogs etc. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India
കൂक ಕ କ ਕక क గ ક ক ಕ ક କಕ কਕ क ક గ ಕ ক Further Details: [email protected] Web: http://sanskrit.du.ac.in/faculty/subhash.html