[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Vedic Index of Names and Subjects](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912) › v2.c4.s2.473 # Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s2.473 Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s2.473 - **Language:** English ### [v2.c4.s2.473](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s2.473) It is clear that the Brahmins, whatever their defects, represented the intellectual side of Vedic life, and that the Kṣatriyas, if they played a part in that life, did so only in a secondary degree, and to a minor extent. It is natural to suppose that the Brahmins also composed ballads, the precursors of the epic; for though none such have survived, a few stanzas of this character, celebrating the generosity of patrons, have been preserved by being embedded in priestly compositions. A legend in the Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa¹³⁰ shows clearly that the Brahmins regarded civilization as being spread by them only: - [Previous: v2.c4.s2.472](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s2.472) - [Next: v2.c4.s2.474](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s2.474) - [Up: v2.c4.s2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s2) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s2.473](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s2.473) · Pramāṇa