Ancient Indian Colonies in the Far East (Vol. I: Champa; Vol. II: Suvarnadvipa) v2.c20.s3.9

v2.c20.s3.9

The Brāhmaṇas are divided into two broad classes according as they are worshippers of Śiva or Buddha. The first is again subdivided into five groups, originating mainly from the marriage with lower castes. For example, the Kamnuh, the highest class, is said to have sprung from a Brāhmaṇa father and Brāhmaṇa mother, while the Petapan, the lowest, was originally the offspring of a Brāhmaṇa father and a slave mother. But the classes were stabilised in Bali, the children belonging to the caste of their father irrespective of the caste of their mother.² To the Brāhmaṇa caste belong the Padaṇḍas or priests to whom reference will be made in the chapter on Religion. Padaṇḍas of the highest rank observe strict Brahmacarya (celibacy), and usually the Padaṇḍas are expected to have only one wife. But in practice the Padaṇḍas marry wives, even from a lower caste. The Brāhmaṇas are usually styled ‘Ida’ (male) and Idayu (female).