[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [The Inner Conflict of Tradition: Essays in Indian Ritual, Kingship, and Society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.heesterman-1985) › c9.26 # The Inner Conflict of Tradition: Essays in Indian Ritual, Kingship, and Society c9.26 The Inner Conflict of Tradition: Essays in Indian Ritual, Kingship, and Society c9.26 - **Language:** English ### [c9.26](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.heesterman-1985.c9.26) Though the episode is obviously remodelled so as to fit the classical non-dualistic conception of sacrifice,³⁵ the original pattern seems perfectly clear. The pivotal point is a sacrificial contest for the goods of life (the Soma drink, which the two parties dispute in a debate on the primordial act of violence).³⁶ The Śyāparṇas, "of bad work (and) evil speech," using the account of Indra's misdeeds as a ploy for blaming the king, challenge his right to the Soma drink. They closely resemble the vituperating reviler at the mahāvrata, except for the learning they exhibit in the debate. - [Previous: c9.25](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.heesterman-1985.c9.25) - [Next: c9.27](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.heesterman-1985.c9.27) - [Up: c9](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.heesterman-1985.c9) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.heesterman-1985.c9.26](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.heesterman-1985.c9.26) · Pramāṇa