Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c6.18.1

c6.18.1

In a different passage, Bhṛigu replying to the penetrating questions of Bharadwâja, states that there is no fundamental distinction between the four orders. The whole world, at first, consisted only of Brâhmaṇas who were created even before gods and demons. Then those endowed with courage, severity, wrath, and love of pleasure and unmindful of piety and worship became Kṣatriyas. Those who combined goodness with passion and took to agriculture and cattle-rearing became Vaiśyas. Those who had fallen from purity of conduct, who were addicted to untruth, cupidity and malevolence and engaged in all kinds of occupations became Śûdras. All have the right to perform pious duties and sacrifices. Here caste is founded on merit and deed. There are some moral qualities which all should cultivate, which, in fact, are universal duties; such, for instance, are truth, justice, gentleness, forgiveness, simplicity and conjugal fidelity. Then the different castes are to follow different practices. A Brâhmaṇa should study, officiate at sacrifices, practise self-restraint and live in poverty. Teaching is one of the principal duties of the Brâhmanic order. In the Mahâbhârata, as in the Râmâyaṇa, Brâhmaṇas teach the military arts to Kṣatriya princes. Except in dire emergency, a Brâhmaṇa is never to adopt agriculture, trade or pasture, never to take to service. For then he is equal to a slave, a dog, a mere brute.