Question

Which of the historical and literary sources from early Indian society (c. 600 BCE – 600 CE) suggest that people followed the occupations laid down by Brahmanas? Which sources suggest other possibilities?

Answer 1

I. Sources Suggesting People Followed Brahmanical Rules

These sources show compliance with the rigid Varna and occupation norms laid down in the Dharmashastras:

• The Manusmriti Rules on Chandalas: Documents how outcastes performed prescribed polluting tasks, such as handling corpses.
• The Story of Ekalavya (Mahabharata): Demonstrates the strict denial of Kshatriya military skills to a low-caste Nishada.
• The Purusha Sukta Hymn (Rigveda): Frequently cited by elite classes to religiously justify birth-based occupational roles.

II. Sources Suggesting Other Possibilities (Deviations)

These sources prove that ancient social structures were flexible, and people frequently altered their assigned occupations:

• The Mandasor Stone Inscription: Reveals silk weavers successfully transitioning into military warriors, astronomers, musicians, and writers.
• The Majjhima Nikaya (Buddhist Text): Demonstrates that wealth determined power, allowing a rich Shudra to employ poor Brahmanas.
• Satavahana Inscriptions: Feature kings who were Brahmanas acting as warriors, directly violating the rule that only Kshatriyas could rule.
• The Play Mrichchhakatika: Features a central protagonist, Charudatta, who is a Brahmana practising trade as a merchant.