The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c20.7

c20.7

Alberûnî is entitled to special weight from his scientific habits of observation and mastery of Sanskrit. He is concerned with the culture rather than with the politics of India. None the less, here and there he notices the laws or institutions of the country. Caste inevitably attracted his notice. He makes the arresting remark that between the last two classes, the Vaiśyas and Śûdras, there was no very great distance.¹ As these constituted the mass of the people, it follows that Brâhmaṇas and Kṣatriyas formed the social aristocracy of the land. It appears that in the districts which came under Alberûnî's observation, political administration was not run by Brâhmaṇas at all. He reports the tradition current in his time that "originally the affairs of government were in the hands of the Brâhmaṇas but the country became disorganised since they ruled according to the philosophic principles of their religious codes, which proved impossible when opposed to the mischievous and perverse elements of the populace. They were even near losing also the administration of their religious affairs. Therefore they humiliated themselves before the lord of their religion. Whereupon Brahman entrusted them exclusively with the functions which they now have, whilst he entrusted the Kṣatriyas with the duties of ruling and fighting. Ever since the Brāhmaṇas live by asking and begging, and the penal code is exercised under the control of the kings, not under that of scholars.”¹