Beyond Birth Resources and Status

Integration of Varna practices

In the Indian subcontinent, the social practices of tribal communities often diverged from Brahmanical norms. These communities, often residing in forests, were sometimes portrayed as unconventional or even uncivilized by Brahmanical standards.

Those who did not fit neatly into the settled agricultural society or did not speak Sanskrit were labeled as Mlechchhas and looked down upon.

However, there were instances of exchange of ideas and beliefs between the higher varna communities and forest dwellers. This interaction is evident in stories found in texts like the Mahabharata.

For example, the story of Eklavya, a forest-dwelling boy who sought to learn archery from Dronacharya, demonstrates this interaction. Similarly, the marriage of Bhima, one of the Pandavas, to Hidimba, a rakshasi by birth, illustrates relationships between higher varna individuals and forest-dwelling communities.

Subordination and Conflict

While Brahmanas considered certain groups outside the varna system, they also enforced a sharper social divide by classifying specific social categories as “untouchable.” Members of these groups, such as chandalas, were placed at the lowest rung of the social hierarchy.

Activities performed by untouchables, such as handling corpses and dead animals, were deemed particularly polluting by Brahmanical standards.

The Manusmriti prescribed specific duties for chandalas, including living outside the village, using discarded utensils, wearing clothes of the dead, adorning themselves with iron ornaments, refraining from walking in villages at night, and disposing of bodies without relatives as well as serving as executioners.

Accounts by Chinese Buddhist monks Fa Xian and Xuan Chang provide further insights into the social status and treatment of untouchables in Indian society. Fa Xian noted that untouchables were signaled by clappers in the streets to avoid contact, while Xuan Chang observed that executioners and scavengers were relegated to living outside the city limits.

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.