Question

The social system of Mauryas was evolving out of the varna based caste system of vedic period. Critically analyse the statement.

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Give the context of the caste system in the Mauryas society.
• Compare it with the Vedic period.
• Describe the condition of the lowers sections of the society.

Solution:

• The Mauryan society was divided into four Varnas, namely Brahmana, kshtriya, vyshya and shudras while several castes were also present. Megasthenes records the presence of seven castes in Mauryan society in his Indica.The Buddhist sources also confirm the prsence of the caste system.
• During this period, the caste system was less rigid than the Vedic period. The people born in higher varna could migrate to another varna and gain better social acceptance and respec.The Brahamana and Kshtriya could interchange their status.
• Slavery was in practice during Mauryan rule but was less harsh than the slavery of Greek and Roman societies. Shudras, the last in the varna system, were employed as agricultural labourers and domestic help. Though, the Indika does not record the existence of slaves and dasas in Mauryan society.