History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v7.c96.s1.55.2

v7.c96.s1.55.2

serenity of mind, self-control, austerity, purity, forbearance, straightforwardness, wisdom (spiritual knowledge), knowledge (of all kinds), faith (in God)—these are the natural actions (duties) for a brāhmana, bravery, fury, energy, steadiness, capability, not running away in battle, charity and rulership-these are duties of a ksatriya, agriculture, keeping herds of cows (and cattle), trade and commerce-these are the natural duties of the Vaiśya, work of the nature of service is the natural duty of the Śūdra. These words of Gītā cannot be used for supporting the present scheme of thousands of castes and sub-castes of water-tight character. If birth had been regarded as the sole or principal basis, the words in the Gītā ²⁶¹⁹ (IV. 13) should have been, 'Jāti-karmavibhāgaśaḥ' ('or janma-karma') and not 'Guṇakarma'. It would be noticed that out of the nine *karmāṇi* specified as natural to brāhmaṇas most are moral and spiritual and no emphasis is laid on the element of birth. At the time of the Mahābhārata there must have been a great deal of ferment, some revolt and criticism about the petrified caste system. The epic frequently refers to the theme of varṇas and jātis. Vide for example, Vanaparva (chapter 180), Virāṭaparva 50 4-7, Udyoga 23 26, 40. 25-29, Śānti 188. 10-14, Anuśāsana 143. A few passages may be set out here. Śānti 188.