Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c10.69

c10.69

The Kûrma Purâṇa, recited by the divine Tortoise Incarnation to the Ṛiṣis who sang his praises at the churning of the ocean, presents a vivid picture of idyllic existence and a perverted society. The world began with abundant Kalpa trees which showered necessaries and luxuries on all at the prompting of the heart. When they disappeared at the commencement of the Tretâyuga, men were seized with greed. By the Kaliyuga or the present dark age, virtue departed from the earth. Men are now feeble, irascible, covetous and untruthful. Brâhmaṇas do not study the Vedas, nor repeat the hymns nor perform ablutions. They will associate with Śûdras and join them in the performance of religious rites. "Princes, surrounded by Śûdras, shall prosecute the Brâhmaṇas." Śûdras will occupy higher positions than Brâhmaṇas. All alike will insult and disparage the Vedas and gods. That's what is destined to happen but what ought not to happen.¹