Ancient Indian Historical Tradition c28.7

c28.7

There was no general denial of a kṣatriya’s right in those early times to become a brahman.³ There are abundant instances of kings’ becoming rishis, rājarṣis, without any difficulty, and that was tantamount to becoming brahmans. The earliest is that of Nahuṣa’s son Yati, who relinquished the kingdom to his brother Yayāti and became a brahman muni.⁴ Others prior to Viśvāmitra were Māndhātṛ, Kāśya and Gṛtsamada, and after his time there were numerous instances, as will be shown.⁵