Social Differences: Within & beyond the framework of caste

The “right” Occupation

The Dharmasutras and Dharmashastras outlined the ideal occupations for each of the four varnas.

Brahmans were expected to study Vedas, perform sacrifices, and oversee sacrificial rituals.

Kshatriyas were tasked with duties like warfare, protecting people, administering justice, studying the Vedas, conducting sacrifices, and giving gifts.

Vaishyas were to engage in agricultural activities, animal husbandry, and trade.

Shudras were assigned a singular occupation.

The Brahmanas used various strategies to enforce these occupational norms

Firstly, they asserted that the varna order was divinely ordained.

Secondly, they advised kings to ensure compliance with these norms within their realms.

Thirdly, they tried to convince people that their social status was determined by birth.

These norms were further reinforced through stories found in texts like the Mahabharata.

Non-Kshatriya Kings

According to the shastras, only Kshatriyas were eligible to be kings. However, historical evidence reveals instances where ruling lineages had different origins. For instance:

The Mauryas, who ruled over a vast empire, were of low social origin as described in Brahmanical texts.

The immediate successors of the Mauryas, such as the Sungas and Kanvas, were Brahmanas.

Political power was often accessible to individuals who could garner support and resources, regardless of their birth status as Kshatriyas.

Rulers like the Shakas, who originated from Central Asia, were viewed as outsiders or “Mlechchhas” by Brahmanical society.

Interestingly, rulers like Rudradaman, a prominent Shaka ruler, were well-versed in Sanskritic traditions.

Furthermore, rulers of the Satavahana dynasty, like Gotami-puta Shri-Satakani, claimed unique Brahmanical identities despite their non-Kshatriya backgrounds.

Jatis and Social Mobility

In Brahmanical theory, jati, similar to varna, was determined by birth. Unlike varna, the number of jatis was not fixed.

Brahmanical authorities encountered new groups like the nishadas and occupational categories like goldsmiths, which did not neatly fit into the fourfold varna system. These groups were classified into jatis.

Jatis with common occupations or professions often formed guilds or shrines. For example, a guild of silk weavers migrated from Gujarat to Madhya Pradesh and collectively invested their wealth in constructing a temple.

While guild membership was based on shared craft specialization, some members pursued alternative occupations.

Class 12 History Notes Chapter 3 Kinship, Caste and Class Early Societies: CBSE Class 12 History Notes are important for students studying Social Science, as History is a crucial sub-subject that requires properly written answers. Scoring well in History is just as important as other subjects.

By going through these notes, students can strengthen their understanding of the chapter’s concepts and learn more about families, caste systems, and how people lived long ago.

Our History Notes Class 12 serves as a valuable resource to enhance your problem-solving skills and prepare for your Social Science Class 12 exams. By utilizing our comprehensive notes, you can develop a strong foundation in History and improve your problem-solving skills.