Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c17.62

c17.62

It is necessary at the outset to recall how the position is defined in law. The three occupations common to all the twice-born classes as stated therein are "studying, sacrificing, and giving". To these three occupations are added as special to the Brahmin "teaching, performing sacrifices for others, and receiving gifts", and as special to the Kshatriya, "defence or protection of his people." It is also to be noted that such study as was enjoined for the Kshatriya might make him sufficiently proficient in the Veda to be able to teach, and teach a Brahmin student who should not go without education for failure of a Brahmin teacher. Thus normally the Kshatriya was only to study, and the Brahmin to study as also to teach and perform sacrifices for others. It is thus evident that the study as a qualification for the high, responsible, and practical function of teaching and direction of religious practices will be different in scope and method from that which is followed by occupations not directly depending on or connected with it. Some law-givers expressly point out that it is the king alone who is expected to commit to memory the Vedas, like the Brahmin, and not the ordinary members of his caste [*Gaut.*, xi, 3; *Manu*, vii, 43].