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298
GUM
wealth, commerce, bussiness and the activities and monopolies of trade and industries, with still more limited privileges and rights pertaining to the classes above, namely the Brahmin and the Kshatriya. The fourth, or Shudra caste, sprang from the feet of the God, representing servitude and all menial pursuits and labors, with still more restricted rights and privileges, yet with one larger privilege, which per. tains to the condition which the orgination of this caste implies, namely, abject servitude. As a compensation for the loss of privilege and the denial of certain rights pertaining to knowledge and develop ment, the myriads composing this class are permitted to travel in their own country without let or hindrance, but under the bond of servitude, being the servant class of all the rest. This is the common interpretation and explanation of the caste system briefly stated, given by your writers. But it is not our understanding, nor a fait statement of the truth. What then is that truth?
In the first place, the ancient Vedas give no record of such an institution as caste, and therefore, It is not in any view an integral part of our ancient religion, or of our philosophy, How then did it come to be instituted ?
Whatever authority may be traced to the Vedic writings on this subject will be found to be the result of innovations, without any more authority or sanc
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