Caste System

2020-04-27 11:58:45

Faxian presents an idyllic, idealised picture of IN society 5th cent - happy contented people
- Not register their houses before magistrates, only farmer working on royal land have to pay a portion
- Account focuses more on Buddhist monasteries of N IN
- King does not give capital punishment, Criminals fined, only right hands cut off for repeated rebellions
- People do not kill living creatures, not drink liquor, eat onions or garlic
- Chandalas supposed ot be wicked men, live apart, strike a piece of wood before entering city or market, Men avoid contact
- Vaishyas establish houses for dispensing charity and medicines, poor, destitute, orphans widows childless men etc go there to get help
Narada Sm mentions slavery and 15 types of slaves, Child born to Slave women also a Slave, war capitves, debt enslavement, voluntary enslavement, can be pledged mortgages, could be freed only when master desired
In South IN notion of untouchability emerged
- Acharakkovai refers to water touched by Pulaiya was defiled unfit for consumption hy higher caste
- Manimekala Brahmanas told not to touch Aputtiran(son of Brah woman and Shudra Male)
Brahm texts mentions the evils of Kali age
- Mem of 4 varnas not follow their prescribed duty
- Mleccha kings will rule earth
Brahmanical revival consolidation of its ideology,