Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.130

v2.c4.130

There is little doubt that in the original growth of the priesthood the Purohita played a considerable part. In historical times he represented the real power of the kingship, and may safely be deemed to have exercised great influence in all public affairs, such as the administration of justice and the king’s conduct of business. But it is not at all probable that the Purohita represents, as Roth⁴¹ and Zimmer⁴² thought, the source which gave rise to caste. The priestly class is already in existence in the Rigveda (see Varṇa).