ABSTRACT
Models of Stratifi cation in India’s Classical Texts British Administrative Decisions Regarding India’s Stratifi cation
Addressing Stratifi cation in Independent India India’s Stratifi cation Viewed Through
Different Conceptual Frameworks
The ninetieth hymn of the tenth book of the Ṛg Veda, recited orally from at least the second millennium BCE, described how Puruṣa, the original
cosmic being, sacrifi ced himself on a funeral pyre. From his consumed body
emanated all components of the universe-sun and moon, earth and sky,
hymns and chants, meters and spells, horses and cattle, and four varieties
of humans. From Puruṣa’s mouth came the Brāhmaṇa, from his arms the
Rājanya (ruler), from his thighs the Vaiśya, and from his feet the Śūdra. By
implication, these four categories (referred to as varṇas, a term meaning category, color, and so on) of humans were stratifi ed, inasmuch as Puruṣa’s
mouth was higher than his arms, thighs, and feet, and Brāhmaṇas were
higher than the other three varṇas. Subsequent Vedas described reciprocal relationships between the Brāhmaṇas (performing fi re sacrifi ces and other
priestly functions) and the ruling Rājanya (later referred to as Kṣatriya).
