The Positive Background of Hindu Sociology c14.s9.t3.18

c14.s9.t3.18

The international perspectives of Vaiśampāyana are furnished by chapter V. 55-57. There the author speaks of the coming increase in the malpractices of war on account of the expansion of *adharma*, i.e., non-observance of codified duties. The *Nītiprakāśikā* enumerates a number of races through whom these violations of *dharma* are likely to be perpetrated. The list comprises the Hūṇas, Pulindas, Sabaras, Varvaras, Śakas, Mālavas, Konkanas, Āndhras, Cholas, Pāṇḍyas, Keralas, Mlechchhas, Chaṇḍālas, Svapachas, Khaśas, Mavellakas, Lalitthas, Kirātas, and Kukkuras. They are described as *gojonayah*, descended from the cow, *vijonayah* or born of improper, i.e., illicit union, *pāpa*, i.e., sinful or criminal. It is because of such races that *kūṭayuddha*, i.e., wars with improper or forbidden weapons, are going to grow from more to more in future, says Vaiśampāyana. The enumeration is rather puzzling. We are asked to look upon even the Cholas as a condemnable race and place them in the same social rank as the Hūṇas, Mlechchhas, Sabaras and others. The grouping renders them all the offsprings of questionable unions and of course low in social estimation. Besides, the implication is that all of them are used to fighting with forbidden weapons. In any case, the peril or menace of *kūṭayuddha* is a serious proposition in the author's estimation.