History of Mediaeval Hindu India (being a History of India from 600 to 1200 A.D.) v1.c11.6

v1.c11.6

Such was the state of things in India down to Buddha's time. In the succeeding centuries this condition gradually changed. The people gradually receded from view, probably because they were now composed largely of Śūdras and not of the Aryans as in previous times. The kings who were often non-Aryan and sometimes even foreigners, gradually assumed absolute power. The people thus became accustomed to the rule of kings who were not of their own race and of the Kshatriya caste. They gradually ceased to take interest in politics, being less or never consulted and eventually came to believe that it was none of their business to meddle with state affairs. Particular persons of the three higher castes, Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vaiśyas did take some interest in politics being soldiers and officials, but the generality of the people being Śūdra, was debarred from all participation in political activities. And eventually the people lost all idea as to their possessing any rights of participation in the government of the country.