Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s11.1084

v1.c3.s11.1084

In the later Saṃhitās⁵ and the Brāhmaṇas⁶ the Kṣatriya stands as a definite member of the social body, distinct from the priest, the subject people, and the slaves, Brāhmaṇa, Vaiśya, and Śūdra. It is significant that Rājanya is a variant to Kṣatriya, and an earlier one. Hence it is reasonable to suppose that the Kṣatriya and Rājanya are both of similar origin, being princely or connected with royalty. Moreover, the early use of Kṣatriya in the Rigveda⁷ is exclusively connected with royal authority or divine authority.