Question

“In the ancient Indian subcontinent there were populations beyond the influence of Brahminical idea of four Varnas.” Explain this statement with examples.

Answer 1

1. Because of the subcontinent's variety, there have always been groups of people whose social customs were unaffected by Brahmanical principles.
2. As they appear in Sanskrit manuscripts, they are frequently characterized as primitive. The primary methods of subsistence were hunting and gathering.
3. Examples include groups like the nishada, to which Ekalavya is thought to have belonged.
4. Mlechchhas were people who spoke non-Sanskritic languages, were viewed with distrust, and included groups like nomadic pastoralists who were difficult to integrate into the system.
5. Certain individuals were deemed to be outside the system by the Brahmanas. They created a social division by designating some social groups as inviolable.
6. Certain behaviors were seen to be especially "polluting." Among these were the handling of dead animals and corpses. They were referred to as "chandalas."
7. The question of whether Chandalas accepted the life of degradation outlined in the Shastras was one that historians attempted to answer. Brahmanical authorities categorized new groups as jatis whenever they came across groups that were difficult to integrate into the four-fold varna system.
8. A number of significant ruling lineages most likely had distinct origins, but only Kshatriyas were eligible to rule as kings. The metronymics were Satavahanas.