War in Ancient India c7.s4.20

c7.s4.20

Did the Brahman lose his social pre-eminence by taking to the profession of arms? According to the *Baudhāyana Dharmaśāstra*, a member of the Brahman caste unable to keep his body and soul together by following his hereditary occupation may take up the profession of arms without prejudice to his svadharma. This receives confirmation from the *Mahābhārata*. Some scholars are of opinion that Gautama does not countenance this rule, but the fact is that, in Gautama’s opinion, a Brahmana would not be a valuable acquisition to the army, as he is unused to the horrors of war.