January 03, 2009

WAR
When Aryans first arrived in India they fought a number of battles against the local people to acquire living space. Later on, when they settled in India on the basis of tribal affiliation, they got involved in different other conflicts and fought against each other on the issues of land possession, cattle, and water. At that time there was no concept of permanent army; therefore, in wartime, all male members of a tribe had to be recruited to fight. Declaration of war and decision of peace were made by the assembly of elders which was known as ‘sabha’.

Those who had experience of warfare were selected as the chief of a tribe. During war, religious ceremonies were held and gods were called upon for victory. If a tribe won the battle, war booty was divided among members of the tribe. Warriors and priests got more share than others. Women of the defeated tribe were captured and distributed as slaves. These wars left memories of those warriors who fought bravely. Their achievements were narrated in stories to inspire people to follow them. War was considered important because it ultimately ended all problems and restored peace.

SYSTEM OF CASTE
Whenever a civilisation develops, it gets divided into classes based on wealth and power. Those who do not have property and resources are thrown into the category of poor and helpless. Class division weakens a society and decreases its strength. If somebody is born in an elite class, he automatically takes up a high status. Merit and intelligence play no role in determining the position of an individual.

Compared to class, caste system was quite different. It was introduced by the Aryans in the Indian subcontinent. It deepened its roots with the passage of time and became an integral part of Indian civilisation.

In the Vedic period, the caste system was based on colour or Varna. This differentiated Aryans from the local population who were dark-complexioned. However, in the beginning there was mobility in the caste system. When Aryans moved from Indus Valley to the Ganges and Yamuna plains, caste system became very rigid and got affiliated with the professions. If somebody was born in a particular caste, he could not change it. It is called jati in Hindi language (the word literally means ‘births’). In this system profession and caste were linked with each other.

Religion was used to solidify this system. It was argued that for salvation of soul, an individual had to observe the rules and regulation of the caste in which he was born. Any violation of this rule would condemn him to be born again and again in the form of animals and insects. The concept to follow caste rule was known as dharma.

Some historians admire the caste system and argue that for centuries this maintained peace and harmony in the Indian society and prevented conflicts. However, some historians criticise this system and state that because of it, Indian society remained far behind time and got conquered repeatedly by foreign invaders.