________________
XIV. SOCIAL CONDITIONS
(a) Caste system
Four castes are referred to in the Dvyāśrayakāvya (caturvarna). They are specified as Brāhmaṇa, Ksatriya, Vaiśya and Śūdra (1.183; II.2)). They are separately named as Dvija, Ksatra, Vit and Śūdra (V.116).
Brāhmaṇa: According to H.D. Sankalia, "at the time of Siddharāja, indeed, Brahmaņas must have attained immense power, prestige and prosperity1."
The main duty of the brahmanas is to study the Vedas and to perform sacrifices (1.75). Even a king is mentioned washing their feet and offering Arghya to them (VI.9). It was believed that if a brāhmaṇa utters a curse, it many cause an adverse eflect on yajamāna (V.48). As a rule, a kṣatriya should not kill a brāhmaṇa (XVIII.19).
Brāhmaṇas were given donations in the form of cows and the land (XIV.23). A brāhmaṇa who is well-versed in the Vedic learning is called Śrotriya (V.91).
The Kaṭaccuri, Gujjara and a few of the Caulukya records say that the grant was made to the brahmaņas for the performance of five great sacrifices (Pañcamahāyajña), Bali, Caru, Vaiśvadeva, Agnihotra and for the guests. Darsa, Pūrnamāsa, Rājasūya, Vājapeya and Agniştoma are the sacrifices for which the grants were made2.
1. Sankalia, H,D. Archæology of Gujarat, p. 209. 2. ibid., p.209.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
