Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s2.332

v2.c4.s2.332

It seems certain that in the Rigveda this Brāhmaṇa, or Brahmin, is already a separate caste, differing from the warrior and agricultural castes.⁵ The texts regularly claim for them a superiority to the Kṣatriya caste,⁶ and the Brahmin is able by his spells or manipulation of the rite to embroil the people and the warriors⁷ or the different sections of the warriors.⁸ If it is necessary to recognize, as is sometimes done, that the Brahmin does pay homage to the king at the Rājasūya,⁹ nevertheless the unusual fact is carefully explained away so as to leave the priority of the Brahmin unaffected. But it is expressly recognized that the union of the Kṣatriya and the Brāhmaṇa is essential for complete prosperity.¹⁰ It is admitted¹¹ that the king or the nobles might at times oppress the Brahmins, but it is indicated that ruin is then certain swiftly to follow.