The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c6.30

c6.30

of division. Ever and anon we meet with references to Kṛṣṇatvac or black skin.¹ Elsewhere, Indra destroys the godless army of Kṛṣṇa or black.² Expressions of contempt, hatred and hostility towards the Dasyus or aborigines and prayers for their destruction are interspersed throughout the Ṛigveda. For instance, Indra is invoked to be cognisant of the hymns of Ṛiṣis, to cast his weapon against the Dasyu and increase the vigour and fame of the Ārya.³ In the fourth Maṇḍala, the wily and impious Dasyu is to be destroyed and his wealth bestowed on Kutsa.⁴ Indra does destroy large numbers of them.⁵ Indra has made the Dasyus devoid of all virtues and an object of hatred to all men.⁶ "O Aśvins! destroy those who are yelling hideously like dogs and coming to destroy us! Slay those who wish to fight with us."⁷