The Social and Military Position of the Ruling Caste in Ancient India, as Represented by the Sanskrit Epic c2.s5.208

c2.s5.208

The knights ‘know polity’ (viii. 10. 14), and can quote the wrong doings of their adversaries; but when they do so, it is regarded as sufficient answer to hold up the list of ‘wrong’ acts perpetrated by the accuser and his party. Tit for tat is apology enough (vii. 198; viii. 91. 1 ff.). Right is revenge. It is declared to be so in so many words, as Justice is declared to be a weak god. ‘The wise say that Justice protects one; ever have I been just, but Justice protects me not; Justice destroys its devotees, but never protects’—so speaks the great Kuru (viii. 90. 87). ‘I shall pay my debts to my fathers and to my mother,’ cries Bhīma; or again: ‘I shall be clear of debt to my dead father’—these words mean that the speaker is about to revenge himself or avenge his parents—this was his ‘right’ (vi. 91. 26; vii. 195. 21).