History of Mediaeval Hindu India (being a History of India from 600 to 1200 A.D.) v1.c8.16

v1.c8.16

We shall of course begin with the Brahmins who were by long recognition at the top of the people and who appear to have still deserved this position by their intelligence and high morals. They were in fact the leaders of thought both among the orthodox or Hindu people and among the unorthodox or the Buddhists and the Jains. The latter, though they in theory rejected caste appear to be still caste-ridden and intelligent Brahmins and even Kshatriyas without probably losing their caste joined their ranks as teachers and thinkers for the sake of the high position they attained to as heads of monasteries or congregations†. Tho following remarks, however, should be taken to