VARNAS IN INDIAN OLD BOOKS

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING HA NOI NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION TONG THI QUYNH HUONG VARNAS IN INDIAN OLD BOOKS Major: World History Major code: 62.22.03.11 SUMMARY OF HISTORY DOTORAL THESIS HA NOI - 2016 WORK TO BE COMPLETED IN FACULTY HISTORY HANOI NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION The scientific guidance: Assoc.Prof.Dr Dinh Ngoc Bao Reviewer 1: Assoc.Prof.Dr Nguyen Phu Loi – Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics Reviewer 2: Assoc.Prof.Dr Vo Kim Cuong – Institute of History Reviewer 3: Dr Nguyen Quoc Tuan – Religious Studies The thesis will be protected spots School Councils doctoral thesis at the meeting in Hanoi National University of Education On day month … year Can be found the thesis in: - National Library of Vietnam - Library of Ha Noi National University of Education INTRODUCTION Reasons for selecting the title of the thesis India is considered one of the pioneering civilizations, opened the era of human civilization, has left a lot of great achievements for the world, a nation with full of wisdom and identity Therefore, the important position of India in the world history has been confirmed by numerous studies about this sacred land Moreover, throughout its long history, Indian traditional culture has spread extremely vast, especially to countries in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam So, studying about India helps us understand more about Eastern culture and it is the basis to capture Southeast Asian history The basis of Indian culture is Indian traditional society It is a society, which has typical features of an oriental society and has many peculiarities, with Indian spirit One of its distinctive characters is the persistence of the caste systems that have particularly dominated the process of social development in India for thousands of years In particular, Varnas was the first caste system in India Varnas is "the key" to understand Indian traditional society that was full of racial and religious complexities Therefore, studying about Varnas helps us discover “Indian world”, it is the core and is one of the most striking characteristics of ancient Indian society Caste discrimination appeared in many countries around the world, but nowhere is the inequality between different castes at extreme level and persistent as in India The co-existence of both Indian modern leading technology centers and traditional Indian customs, habits and rituals with the caste system still exists in mind always attracts curious historians to try to explain this interesting phenomenon When studying about ancient India, ancient documents are considered one of the most important resources Because of the dominating role played by religion in Indian social life, culture, customs and traditions So, the Indian old books especially Hindu scriptures such as sruti, smriti, literature, mythology became the main sources of Indian society’s information Thus, Varnas has been mentioned in many old books, including the law of Manu, the law of Narada, Vedas, Upanishads, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Arthashastra The old books have its advantages in reflecting Varnas because of the rich and diversity in types of materials, as well as specific and detailed in content about Varna Therefore, studying about Varnas through Indian old books will help us have a more comprehensive and profound insight, thereby help us understand parts of contemporary Indian social reality In Viet Nam, almost all studies about India mentioned about Varna or caste system But a problem seem very familiar in many books of India has not had a monographic works and does not have in-depth study in Vietnam In particular, Varna in the old books is still a gap in research both in Viet Nam and abroad Therefore, conducting a thesis titled “Varnas in Indian old books” is a necessary job Moreover, understanding the important topic as Varna through old books of India will be an essential research in the context of original sources material used in teaching was less exploited A successful research of this issue will contribute to adding in-depth resources about ancient - medieval period in Indian history Stemming from the above reasons, the study on "Varnas in Indian old books" is a matter of necessity, having both practical and scientific meanings Therefore, I have chosen this topic as title of my thesis Subjects, scope, purpose and research tasks 2.1 Research subjects Varnas in Indian old books 2.2 Scope of the study - About space: ancient India’s territory includes mainly northern India and parts of Central and South India - About time: approximately from 1500 BC to the fourth century, around this time was the old books reflect the Varnas primarily - About content: Varnas was reflected in some old books in ancient India, which focused on the basic problem is origin of Varnas, the distinction between the level of Varna on fundamental areas such as economic, politic, law, religion, marriage and family 2.3 Purpose of research Through some old books, this thesis learns and clarification, in particular the content, nature and characteristics of Varna was reflected in that document Since then evaluate the role of this regime towards society in ancient India Through content to dive into the social reality of ancient India 2.4 Research Tasks From the subject, scope and purpose of the study, thesis identify research tasks are: First, learning about Varnas was reflected in some old books in ancient India about origin, the distinction between castes on several fields Second, commenting on the Varnas in some old books (nature and characteristics) as well as the role of that mode for Indian society in ancient times Third, learning about old books system of India, especially some old books used in this thesis From that, pointing out the value of old books to learn about Varna particular and ancient Indian society in general Data sources and research methods 3.1 Data sources First of all, about original material, the thesis mostly uses English translations and Vietnamese translations summaries of Indian old books as the law of Manu, Narada law, Mahabharata, Bhagavadgita, Ramayana, Arthashastra In addition, the thesis also uses some excerpts in the Vedas, Upanishads and some other old books Second, the thesis references and content views of Karl Marx entries of “India during British colonial” domination of print in the "Marx - Engels Complete" (episode 9) Beside using translations of the original documents, writings of the classical authors, the thesis uses many monographic works of Vietnamese and abroad scholars; textbooks, specialized scientific journals This thesis also uses some additional documents and selected books from Internet sources In addition, field experiences in India in 2014 helped me improve new knowledge to research topics 3.2 Research methods This thesis uses interdisciplinary and majors research methods in the process to implement the project In particular, the method of history and logic method are two main methods used to solve the fundamental problem posed topic Contribution of the Thesis The research results of this thesis will contribute: - Study of Varnas in some old books in a systematic way and detail This will be the first project in Vietnam studies Varnas in old books in ancient India besides other studies on the history, culture, philosophy, literature, ideology India has referred to Varnas - Through learning about Varnas in some old books to understand the part of Hindu religious views in particular, the Indian society in general From there, see the consequences of the regime for the development of Indian society - Chemical system, providing a quarter of the original datas in the Indian history teaching in universities and schools 5.Structure of the thesis Besides the introduction, conclusion, references and appendices, this thesis is divided into four chapters: Chapter Overview of research Chapter Overview of Indian old books Chapter The origin and the distinction among Varnas in Indian old books Chapter Some comments on Varnas in Indian old books CHAPTER OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH 1.1 Historiography 1.1.1 The studies on Varnas system 1.1.1.1.The studies of Foreign scholars Varna problem has been studied intensively in many books and monographs on the Indian caste system in general of foreign scholars as:“Indian Caste”,by John Wilson, volumes, 1897; “Hindu Castes and Sects”, by Jogendra Nath Bhattacharya, 1896; “Caste in India: Their mechanism, genesis and development”, 1916, by Dr.B.R.Ambedkar; “Caste in India, the facts and the system”, Emile Senart wrote and Sir Edward Denison Ross edited and translated, 1930; “Indian Caste System: A Study”, 1931, the author is C Hayavadana Rao; “Indian Caste System”, by R.K Pruthi, 2004; “The Caste system of Northern India” by E.A.H Blunt, 2010… Besides the in-depth research, direct mention, Varna also has been mentioned in numerous joint research projects on the history, culture, philosophy, sociology of India as: : “Philosophy of ancient India”, 1897, byRichard Garbe; “Hindu Manners, customs and ceremonies”, by Abbe J A Dubois; “A History of India”, volume 1, 1984, by Romila Thapar; “Discovering India”, volumes, 1990, byJawaharlal Nehru; “The Penguin history of early India from the origins to AD 1300”, 2002, by Romila Thapar; “A History of India” (Lịch sử Ấn Độ), 2004, by two authors Hermann Kulke Dietmar Rothermund; “India: The ancient past from 7000 BC to AD 1200”, by Burjor Avari, 2007 Most scholars view of the West and India also agreed that Varna is the concept only "color" or "color mode”, Varnas residents divide India into different groups based on differences in skin color and race Varnas has hereditary nature, a person can not choose for themselves Varnas which depends on that person's descendants The Western scholars also pointed out that differences in skin color that comes from two big races are Aryans and the indigenous people, Varna is also a concept to indicate division rank mode Some uniformity Varna with Caste, have argued that inclusion Caste Varna but agreed in the view that Varna is the first concept that refers to the distinction of the Indian population strata in which Indian society is divided into four major caste 1.1.1.2.The studies of Vietnam scholars In Vietnam, the issue of Varnas was mentioned scatterly through history books or comprehensive studies of Indian cultural history, literature, philosophy These include a number of works, such as: “Ấn Độ qua thời đại” and “Tìm hiểu văn hóa Ấn Độ”, jointly published in 1986, by Nguyen Thua Hy “Văn hóa Ấn Độ” (1993)and “Tìm hiểu thần thoại Ấn Độ”(2003), by Cao Huy Dinh; “Lịch sử Ấn Độ” by Vu Duong Ninh, Phan Van Ban, Nguyen Cong Khanh, Dinh Trung Kien, 1995; “Lịch sử giới cổ đại” Lương Ninh editor, 2001; “Lịch sử tư tưởng triết học Ấn Độ cổ đại”, 2010, by Doan Chinh;“Ấn Độ hôm qua hôm nay” by Dinh Trung Kien… Vietnam researchers are quite unified in the view that Varnas means "color" or "color skin" Varnas emphasized the Indian social stratification into several major class based on differences in skin color, race between the Aryans and the indigenous Dravidian, besides rely on occupational, religious, purity In the process of conquest and land ownership from Dravidian, Aryan had set this mode to rule the natives In the thesis, the author uses the concept of Varnas means it is the first caste system in Indian history, Indian inhabitants divided into groups of people who have the status, interests and different identity From this mode, in history of India also appears the other castes 1.1.2 The studies about Indian old books For a long time, the study of Indian ancient documents as the law of Manu, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Vedas, Upanishads, has attracted attention in many countries with lots of work such as: “the laws of Manu” edited and translated by Wendu Doniger and Brian K Smith, was published in Mudran Basu, Kolkata, 1991; Book "The Minor Law Books" by Julius Jolly, in the book "The Scared Books of the East", episode 33 - Narada, published in 1889 Arthashastra of Kautilya was first translated into English from the original work and published in Bangalore, by R.Shamasastry translator,Goverment Press, 1915 Recently, L.N.Rangarajan has translated it, named "The Arthashastra ", by Penguin Books, first published in New Delhi, 1992 Mahabharata and Ramayana were translated into English and many other languages by translators around the world In addition to translations, that two works are studied quite a lot in monographicbooksincluding the book "The Society of the Ramayana", the author is Ananda Guruge, 1991; "The Indian epics retold", Penguin Books published in 1995, author R.K.Narayan; "Epic India" by C.V Vaidya Asian Educational Services, New Delhi, India, published in 2001 The study of domestic scholars can mention the typical projects such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana translations of Cao Huy Dinh, Pham Thuy Ba; "Kinh văn trường phái triết học Ấn Độ" (Texts of Indian philosophical schools) by Doan Chinh and Vu Quang Ha, Nguyen Anh Thuong, Dinh Hung Dung, 2005; "Bhagavad - Gita nguyên nghĩa" (Bhagavad – Gita Original Meaning) by Tran Kim Thư translated from the English and Russian version of this work; "Luật Manu đời sống xã hội Ấn Độ xưa " (The Law of Manu in India social life, then and now) by Prof.Dr Dinh Ngoc Bao 1.2 Problems that have been solved and problems posed for thesis Overall, Varna referred to many and quite specifically in the study of the caste system in particular and the history, culture and society in general India's foreign scholars In Vietnam, the new content is mentioned broadly informed through history books or study the history and culture of India The whole point is not to have a separate study mentioned a systematic manner, fully to Varna in India in ancient times, did not have a work that explores the caste system in ancient bibliographies system India Therefore, on the basis of selection and selective inherit the results of the study authors and abroad, the thesis will need to go deeper to clarify the scientific content follows: - Overview of Indian old books system and its values in learning Varna - The origin of Varna through some old books - The reflection of old books on the distinction between the level of the Varna on various aspects - Draw comments about this special mode: from reflection of old books on the regime of Varna saw the essence of the regime; the impact and its impact on society in ancient India in particular, and in the long history of India in general; the special nature of Varna CHAPTER OVERVIEW OF INDIAN OLD BOOKS 2.1 The context of the formation of Indian old books The simplest way to understand the meaning of the old books are manuscripts or documents of ancient texts that have a long history These can exist in the form of general books or records, documents or individual documents or sometimes text that is recorded on the stele, tomb or a artifacts or historic area Broadly may split into two basic types are Hinduism old books and non Hinduism of those, but the majority of India's ancient bibliographies Hinduism or related to the Hindu religion Can be divided Hinduism scriptures into two parts mainly Sruti and Smriti: Firstly, Sruti: the basic work is Veda Veda include Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Veda Arthava Each Veda include: Mantra, Brahmana, Aranyaka and Upanishad Secondly, Smriti: includes the main components are Purana (ie Myths & Co, everything sacred area), Sastra (presentation, explained the Hindu religious conceptions about intimate matters of people like Darmasastra basis of an on Dharma, Arthasastra - about duty, about pleasures Kamasastra), Sustra (rules, including Grihyasustra - family rules and rituals to keep house; Kamasustra - rules of pleasure) Also, there Manusmriti, Naradasmriti are rules of social action - often known as the laws Besides, the Hindu religious system later bibliography is also complemented by the Hindu literature like Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana For the old books is not Hinduism are composed mainly of decree or decree of the king and the Morya epitaph, engraved text on iron columns, a holistic work Since Indian old books were born until became a complete system of writing was a process that lasted thousands of years Those are the intellectual elite crystallizes the length of Indian history Thus, the appearance of these old books are linked to the specific historical circumstances Indian old books supposedly born after the Indus civilization and was completed in a very long time Ministry of the earliest was born as Veda (about 1500 to 1000 BC, and was recorded at around century VII BC), followed by the Upanishads in VI century BC Later, in the fourth century BC, Kautilya wrote Arthashastra, this may also be a time appeared the Purana, sastra (argument) and sustra (rules) Two epics Mahabharata and Ramayana origin and talk about the events from the beginning BC but it began to be recorded in a few centuries BC, have delayed even further The adjoining sun century was thriving period of Sanskrit texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, the laws of Manu (supposedly derived from the second century BC, but completed in the second century AD), codification Narada (born around the third century BC) Overall, between 1500 BC and the fourth century as the Indian old books system completed the form and contents with the introduction of a series of ancient books The old books system of India are very voluminous and complex Most of the Indian old books mention Varnas at different levels However, in the framework of the thesis, the author uses only some basic bibliography which refers to Varnas with more capacity and reflect diversity, which are mainly Hindu bibliography 2.2 Some old books used in the thesis Indian old books system have formed over a long period, have not only been modified, supplemented in content, perfect in form but amount bibliography also constantly increased with the change of Hinduism and Indian life From the limited purpose and scope of the thesis research, the author has selected and introduced some typical old books used in the thesis, including the old books used is: the law of Manu, Narada law, Arthashastra, Mahabharata (and Bhagavad Gita), Ramayana 2.3 The values of Indian old books in studying Varna Varnas referred to in many old books, each text is a piece of the puzzle to complete and reflects Varnas on various aspects, also reflects the transformation of Varnas through every stage of history The value of Indian old books in learning Varrnas at some point expressed as follows: Firstly, although the purpose, content and form of Indian old books are different and also the advent of the era are not the same but the general point of But who has the right to decide on all matters of the country, but according to Hindu scriptures, it is not only the power status of Kshatriya still lower than Brahman, Brahman was dominant in the management of the country Thus, although the circumstances under which the king always must pay respect to the Brahmans About Vaisya: Vaisya belong to three class noble origin of society as Brahman and Kshatriya but their position is lowest of the "twice born" They have the social position of working people, the dominant caste (Manu, article 328, Chapter IX) Vaisya workforce is the main production of material goods to supply all items for society Sometimes they were ranked lowest fellow with the Sudra Varna (Narada, article 16, chapter 18) About Sudra: the lowest status in Varna system They are servants, only one obligation is service to Varnas above unconditionally, not complaining, grumbling However, Sudra not slaves, they are just the lowest class of free citizens and are being treated as Vaisya class 3.2.1.2 In Law As a reflection of the old books, the king was confirmed as the supreme power of the law Accordingly, jurisdiction belongs to the king Greatest legal mission of the king is preserve the world in the order that the supreme god created Both Brahman and the king protect human comply holy law (Narada, article 42, Chapter 18) Although, the king has to make fair and equitable for everyone but the equality of every people before the law still order in their caste (Manu, article 24, Chapter VIII) Before the law, only Brahman fully enjoy the right to inviolability of the body and life as well as property Overall, the gap between Varnas has shown that with the same sin, sinner as in Varnas increasingly higher penalties are mitigated gradually, at a lower Varna increasingly stiffer penalties However, victims increasingly higher Varna, criminals increasingly heavier penalties, victims increasingly lower in Varna, as treated lightly sinners gradually 3.2.2 In Economy 3.2.2.1 About profession Corresponding to his position on the ladder decentralization, the Varna will have different occupational duties The Brahman is defined as the job: Teaching (Veda); research; for his sacrifice; sacrifice for others; teaching and receive (gift) of the pure (Manu, article 32, Chapter I) The ancient documents also regulate what the Brahman is not allowed to do, in particular to the work of lower castes (Narada, Article 57, Chapter 1) However, in some special cases, Brahman still can the job not for his caste For example: Brahmans during his hardships can the work of Kshatriyas or Vaisyas However, while doing those jobs, the absolute Brahmans must still comply with their obligations and return to his career at the end of difficulty (Narada, articles 56, 59, 67 chapter 1) The second, the Kshatriya Varna’s work are defined as living on military activities and govern the country (Arthashastra) During the hard times, Kshatriya can also the work of the lower caste (Vaisya) as the cultivation and trafficking of specified capital goods for Vaisya but absolutely not thinking about his higher career (Brahman ) (Manu, article 95, chapter X) Third, to Varna Vaisya, according to ancient Indian law, regulation Vaisya been living in economic activities: trade, moneylenders, agricultural, livestock (Manu, article 410, chapter VIII) Until Morya, Vaisya referred to consists mainly merchants, craftsmen and farmers (Arthashastra) Over time, with the growth of the army of Morya, Sudra and Vaisya engaged to the army of Kshatriyas increasingly also made the career structure and status of these two-castes had little change Similarly two higher Varnas, if Vaisya can not live with the performance of his career, he can live the lifestyle of Sudra, but not things forbidden to them (Manu, article 98, Chapter X) The fourth, for Sudra Varna, careers are defined for them is living mainly by service Brahman (Manu, article 123, Chapter X) But to earn a living, the Sudra design may serve wealthy Vaisya Kshatriya or malfunction some special cases Sudra can also other work tasks are specified Sudra there a particular career slavery 3.2.2.2 About property possession The Indian ancient documents show that Brahman were big lands owners and they had many assets (privatization) Their properties were bigger thanthose of the king Supreme Brahman, the right to own property, consider all the social wealth is theirs (Manu, article 100, Chapter I) Therefore, Kshatriya seized social governance without the right to the assets of Brahman Besides, the Brahman caste was allowed to receive donations from assets other castes These assets have given Brahman is also a permanent asset, not revoked (Narada, articles 47, 49, Chapter 18) On the property of the Kshatriya, the old books have confirmed the king (of Kshatriya Varna) on behalf of the people have ownership and top management to land Not only supreme ownership over land, the king also owns many other valuable assets from small to large as precious metals, cattle, slaves, military including subjects in the kingdom owned by the king However, the king could not own the Brahmans The king was the supreme landowner but actual king ruled only part of land, while the majority of the communal divide cultivate and collect taxes (Arthashastra) Because the land is divided so the king build a mechanism of social leaders to help him manage lands at local (Manu, article 116, Chapter VII) Farmers living in the village will have to pay taxes to the state bowl through the head of the community (Manu, article 119, Chapter VII) In addition to these assets are owned as prescribed, Kshatriya also owns more assets than through a special source of taxes, due to fights, fines have been in litigation (Narada, article 53, chapter 1) About Vaisya ownership, this Varna is provided part of land and they are responsible for their land The land is prepared for planting will receive tax incentives, even if the land is not well prepared for cultivation, leading to crop failure there be confiscated (Arthashastra) In addition, the land is provided for Vaisya assets also increased by times by employment land, cattle and trade (Narada, article 54, Chapter 1) While the other castes are owned and protected property, the Sudra was not only their own property may also be seized assets they have (Manu, article 417, Chapter VIII) Sudra is not allowed to accumulate assets because it is a threat to the class on (Manu, article 129, Chapter X) But in some exceptional cases, Sudra can still get their personal property if members of the third Varna for various reasons on which they shall give to such assets will be private ownership of Sudra (Narada, article 54, chapter 1) Thus, three out of prescribed caste may own property Besides, they can make their wealth increased by more legally or illegally and religion recognized Also the fourth Varna can not own any property but if so, is because of three higher Varnas on alms for labor, not because of them that have been 3.2.2.3 Inheritance Endogamy prescribed by Varna is the decisive factor in the inherited property Among the boys enjoying inherited property (of a high-caste father), depending on whether the son that was born from the mother caste does asset ratio will enjoy descending according to the social status of the mother (Arthashastra) 3.2.2.4 Tax and labor obligations for state services Besides performing the prescribed career and inherit property, the Varna must also fulfill the obligations of taxes and forced labor to the State The direct representative for the state is the king Thus, tax revenue is considered as one of the main functions of the king Indian old books mention many taxes King has set out the financial officer to conduct the tax collected from the heads of village and moved into storage for the king King will be the moderator finally adopted the text that the tax collector was recorded (Arthashastra) Just like on land and other assets, the king could collect taxes anyone but unless people Brahman (Manu, Articles 134, chapter VII) Vaisya caste contributed more tax than other and they had to pay various taxes Additionally, lower Varnas had to work hard for state services such as dykes, canals, roads, the obligation of the military when the war happened or seasonal employment services In summary, the economic gap between Brahman and Varna ensure Kshatryia live life happily on labor of the poor, especially Sudra 3.2.3 Regarding religious duties Religious duties of Varnas are expressed primarily in the implementation of the stages of life Under the provisions of Hinduism, the life of a Brahman is divided into four stages The first phase for adolescence is to cultivate, lifestyle ethics training The second stage is the stage of a "host" family man and make career that career worldly pleasures but still must comply with regulations, religious rituals and duties of his caste The third stage is the stage of seclusion when he older and get children The fourth stage is the stage that made the monks alms to live life not looking for fame or desire to liberation Religious obligations of the Varna also finds expression in the division typical of Varna to "people twice born " and "people onceborn" Therefore, only the twice born people awarded the conferment of religion, learned the Vedas and authorized to perform religious rituals From these general regulations, the Varna also has different identity on religion: For Brahmans: First of all, they have the rights, obligations and duties of teaching, study the Vedas and perform religious ceremonies Second, Brahman is the understanding of the Vedas and is considered intermediate caste between god and man (Manu, articles 32, 97, chapter I) For Kshatriyas: They understand the Vedas and have obligations and duties as well as rights in the practice of religious rites (Manu, article 100, Chapter XII) The Kshatriya had decided as hold ritualceremonies, select and invite the ceremonial leader and decided what components would participate in rituals rather than Brahman (Ramayana) For Vaisyas: they were "twiceborn", are supposed to learn and understand the Vedas and practice religious rites Vaisyas who prepared the map sacrifice, and service offerings in these rituals They are also the largest components involved in the sacrifice or religious rituals For Sudras: they prohibited perform religious rituals Sudras not religious rituals Sudrasdo not look people twice born practice religious rites They were not looking at people born twice sacrifice cook food Overall, through old books showing Indian ancient’s education was theological Therefore, Brahman was not only be the privilege of religion but also be the supreme authority in terms of culture, contemporary education Conversely Sudra prohibited to study Vedas also means that they banned schooling, lost interest in culture and education The Brahman said that a Sudra hearing the Vedas, their ears will be deaf, will be poured into the lead, if Veda chanting, their tongue will be cut off, if memorized their body will be cut in half 3.2.4 About marriage and family Under the provisions of Hindu scriptures in general and ancient Indian law in particular, not accept polygamy (poligamy) and marriage is not the same caste, especially among high-castes (Brahmans, Kshatriyas) with low caste (Sudras) First, a general provision for all Varna is: "When a Brahman, Kshatriya, Sudra Vaisya or marry, the best thing for him is to get a person of his caste; and so a man who is a member on the same level is also qualified as a husband for a woman"(Narada, article 4, Chapter 12) Even for two higher caste, the married was taboo Especially, a Kshatriya man marriedaBrahman woman, whether it is a king, that acts of Brahman womanwas considered as "condescending" Second, although encourage polygamy was prohibited, in special cases, the men of three higher castes can still take more wives if they want, but on condition that the first wife (ie wife) must belong to the same caste with them, the wife should be the next lower caste Similarly, despite the strict prohibition of marriage is not the same level but Hindu scriptures and Indian laws have many provisions on the specific cases accepted mixcaste marriage Besides the provisions on caste marriage, Indian old books also pointed out the consequences of a breach of such provisions should be punished very severely (eg, being expelled from caste, caste breakdown granted, fines, their children not fall in any caste, as class ends in society ) 3.2.5 Regarding other aspects About the name: For ancient Indian, naming the baby at birth is a sacred and important ceremony The name must be conducted in accordance with regulations in terms of time Moreover, selection named must also comply with regulations and in accordance with the caste of the child If the name fit caste of child, the wording of that caste In addition to the name by choosing appropriate parents with caste order, the children of the marriage are not in the order that Varna also has its own name, depending on each specific case How to eat, wear, living: through the reflection of the bibliography shows each caste in India have differences about how to eat, wear, and in accordance with their rank The ancient India attaches great importance to the diet, which is clearly reflected by a system of regulations on food, how to eat for the class in the bibliography For those born twice, the bibliography does not only provide for the amount of food being used but also gives a general system of strict regulation of the food is used or not used for food Especially the rules on meat and abstinence The birth twice used only when fed meat offerings, and the meat should be used in other circumstances be considered as a violation of rules They should abstain from all meats because it is part of the implementation of the feats of asceticism; abstinence is considered the major accomplishment CHAPTER SOME ASSESSMENTS OF VARNAS IN INDIAN OLD BOOKS 4.1 Varnas in Indian old books reflects social differentiation of Indian ancient society Firstly, can be seen Varnas in India old books reflects is a reflection of the real situation of social differentiation in ancient India However, that reflect the status and interests of the class is not entirely consistent with a social order under a monarchy In Indian old books, Varnas is reflected in a very detailed, complex and has much different than what has been mentioned in the study later Overall, we can see one of the biggest advantages of old books as reflected Varnas to each "corner" of each issue covered Moreover, they are always interpreted by the logic and arguments are reasonable Through this, Varnas generated a complete way to detail That is an important foundation to help us realize a real part in ancient Indian society 4.2 Varnas in Indian old books is essentially Hinduism conception of distiction and identity among Varnas Varnas is an entity that existed in ancient Indian society and that entity was reflected in great detail, specifically in the old book However, in the ancient documents, Varnas inseparable religious duties of Hinduism All regulations and reflect, take notes on Varnas are made by those who write out the text is elite clergy, so we can consider it as a product of Hinduism Brahman caste is also the only caste intellect should explain what is in the books, so that old books are thinking of Brahman about social The old books they wrote are also aimed at explaining to the Vedas Moreover, Varnas in ancient documents was an ideal society with the concept of Hinduism Because through the old books, we can see that the regime is both a reality Varna society and as the rules and higher are laws to regulate social relations, the behavior of the class and of each individual man in the Hinduism conception The Hindu scriptures affirm divine origin of Varnas, Varnas for that derived from the division of the body of the creative Spirit in the creation of the world, so the status of each Varna corresponding to the position of the body spirit This is explained in view Varna origins of Hinduism because of religious thought holds that the Supreme Spirit who created all things and spirit instilled in all The human soul is a part of the cosmic soul, the universal soul is immutable, so the Varna also invariant Through the division of the field reflects Varnas in Chapter 3, may find the rules of the Varna very complex, closely and clearly reflected the thought of Hinduism Which are common or private Dharma of castes specified on each field The Dharma is the principle which governs the entire life of the caste in Indian society, as well as the core beliefs of the Hindu religion 4.3 Varnas in Indian old books was documented from the perspective of the ruling class about social reality Varnas in old books is essentially a "Varna on the text" rather than an entity outside life as it expressed deep views of the ruling class social situation Varna has been explained by the notion of Hinduism through bibliographies and through this mode, the Hindu religious thought and extensive spread First, the doctrine of Hinduism is a philosophical school of self - the person and society, which is actually about the caste system and the Dharma Varna each caste and each human individual Therefore, the majority of the Indian population, and Varna Dharma becomes sublime and inaccessible Systems of old books become a useful tool to explain, clarify and spread the Varna in real life Second, the ruling caste has used Hindu scriptures to spread and legislated social stratification, to protect the interests of their class, uphold the ruling elite (Brahmans and Kshatriyas), being lower caste value We can easily find all the regulations or a reflection of old books on the regime spent most of Varna are in favor of the Brahman caste Manu and Narada are chapters devoted praised the quality, ethics, status of this level Mahabharata and Ramayna still almost exclusively refers to two Brahman and Kshatriya caste Not only that, in the bibliography, Brahman and Kshatriya also receive the rights and privileges across all domains 4.4 Varnas in Indian old books is a extremely harsh, defication and unbreakable, long term caste system The regime's draconian Varnas is the first in the relationship between the Varna and especially between three Varnas and Sudra Varna The strict isolation that is most evident in marital relations and communication In principle, the Sudra Varna in general and especially the elite "caste apart" are not allowed contact with the above caste is Brahman caste The harshness and brutality of this regime also reflected in the rules across all sectors, the Varna on always get a lot of privileges, especially in economics, politics, religion, law way of power, property, education, identity, status between Varnas "twice born" and the Sudra was big gap Varnas also demonstrates the draconian provisions meticulous in the way people have to live like From everyday things like food, clothing, housing, communication, behavior, work, study come to personal things like love, attention, attitude and great obligations to religion of each class are on bibliography The harsh also reflected in the people not only have to implement the provisions of Varnas at life that even if they died, it would have to adhere to Varnas In general, the law protects the interests of Varna on In any case, in all areas, the rights of a Sudra was killed mercilessly Their lives can not be guaranteed Although they are free to go further population is in fact, they will not be much different than slaves Through the ancient documents can see deify nature of Varna explicitly in these documents The caste system appeared in many countries in the world but perhaps India is the only place the regime born of God, by the patron god, the god of life decisions and determines the way of life for each class level The existence of the caste system is so god, according to the whole spirit of human life is deification From the starting point is the origin of Varnas, it was confirmed that because god created, so right from its inception, the regime itself is a product of religion Things reflection of old books about Varna considers the position of the highest Brahman, Brahman is a profession of honor best friend, the legal protection granted by its Brahman maintain prosperity of society, if someone harming ie Brahman gods harm The Brahman possesses all assets as well as to protect the treasures of God Manu Code also divide the class is based on the understanding and mastery of the Vedas These professional, religious duties and obligations of marriage all to serve the Dharma that god has given each and serve religious Varna Therefore, the Dharma of castes associated with the Dharma and religion, especially in teaching, learning Vedas and perform the liturgy The deification of the caste system has been institutionalized by law Spirit is both the creator of both the supernatural forces to sponsor the existence of Varna, to maintain the privilege of the ruling class Besides religion, the State is also automatically regulated as a tool to protect the regime of Varna Worldwide, the caste system exists quite common in many countries but it only exists in one time, there is a change and soon broken Indian caste system carries its own characteristics, which is the ossification nature In India, born to be a Hindu fanatic is required to comply with strict rules on the social class of this religion If someone unfortunately born into abject class, they must accept the fate that until die just no chance to rise higher status Ossification nature of Varna mode first shown in calculation sclerosis, no transition between castes As of sclerosis of Varna system was evident even in the transformation that does not change As of ossification of Varnas is also reflected in the unchanging, its persistence over time Due to disposition of divine origin, race and lineage can not be changed, plus the strict protection of the law and religious texts has led to persistent longevity over time of this mode 4.5 Varnas impacted both views on Indian ancient society 4.5.1 Politic - society It can be seen in India only appear strange phenomenon this- a privileged class and prestige maintained for thousands of years while undergoing a lot of changes of government Firstly, Varnas made Indian political institutions different from the ancient oriental country, it had created political power duo Ksatriya in Brahman and social domination instead of a the king has sovereignty and infinite as in those countries Second, Varnas helped India State keeping social stability, maintaining the moral and ethical tradition of Indian residents throughout the course of history of this country Thirdly, Varnas became dominant tool of the state, it created the biggest rift in the Indian society, deepen the contradictions between the dominant class and the ruled Fourth, Varnas also contributed to a traditional society and progress with the social norms of a bold Hinduism, but which also contains the stagnation of a harsh social and reserves many backward habits Overall, through Indian alod books can find four castes are the four pillars of society, each class has the social position of its own Thereby, we can see clearly in the old books that otherwise creates wisdom of Brahman, society will perish, and without the labor of Sudra, the social background of collapse dirty; if someday no longer the caste system, the moral life of Indian society will be completely changed That explains why the old books in particular, generally Hindu gods protect Varnas through all the vicissitudes of the times 4.5.2 Economic For economy in ancient India, Varnas has created these groups different jobs in society with highly specialized division of labor by coercion with low production levels Besides, Varnas also contributed to the economy of ancient India to the prolonged stagnation Not only created economic inequality and political, Varnas also created the biggest rift in the Indian society, deepen the contradictions between the dominant class and the ruled However, the provisions of the general old books, ancient Indian law in particular also exposes quite progressive Megasthenes said "The Eropeans failed to answer strange questions about Indian society." It's weird because the regime is just one of the factors contributing to Indian society rift but also the thousands of years it makes a bold identity of India The high level of support it, the lower castes were dissatisfied but finally no protests occurred as in other Eastern countries to expect regime change It is also unusual in that, to date many modern India maintains that this mode contribute to maintaining the moral and ethical tradition of India, which make up the difference of India to the rest of world CONCLUSION India is the birth place of some major religions in the world, is also the place of origin of many philosophical schools thought of mankind India is also one of the rare countries in the world while preserving almost intact ancient writing system has a history of thousands of years The valuable works like the Vedas, Upanishads, is the voluminous sutras, as well as the biblical record of divine teachings to all devotees Brahmanism Two epics Mahabharata and Ramayana has voluminous valuable history, literature, linguistics, and significant moral philosophy are proud Indians over generations The Indians can boast of the law Naradasmriti- Manusmriti and full value, as well as those of the great encyclopedia of ancient Indian society, compiled by the Brahman class Also works of Kautilya Arthashastra became artistic standards govern the country These Hindu scriptures show us a part of the picture of Indian ancient history in all aspects, including economy and politics, ideology and culture It is a society with the harsh caste system but contains within it the moral code of many generations of the Indian people Varna in the old books reflects the real situation of social differentiation of ancient India It is a mirror reflecting the details of a society which is divided into very complicated and contradictory classes However, it is a mode of social differentiation in views of Hinduism and is reflected through the prism of the ruling class Since being created in the process of creating a universe so full of Varna also carries the attributes of the universe, including man's intellect and Varna are part of god Therefore, things are set up for the Varna spirit of social and political status, the duty of the profession, religion, marriage, even including food, clothing, and shelter are to perform Dharma of each class level That the highest purpose of the Dharma is to serve the gods, to the position of each person in society From the old books also easy to see in the development of class society, both Brahman and Kshatriya Varna has become the dominant castes, and also Vaisya Sudra belongs to the ruled class The distinction is reflected in a meticulous manner in Ancient aforementioned creates unequal relations in all fields between the deepest Varna which is between Brahman and Sudra The very "legitimacy" an inequality that had a great effect in maintaining the interests of the ruling class On the other hand, it is directed Brahmans - Hindu protected, so it increasingly conditioned to strengthen and persist The old books of India are products of the human perception of social reality Thus, the Varna system in Ancient India is both a social reality, a written form, the law of the ruling class and also the perception of Hinduism about social order Religion is both a tool of the ruling class, and the "opium" of the oppressed classes If the old books are regarded as a historical source, the way of historical writing in India is very different It reflects not only Indian history and literature, but also scriptures and religious ideals as well as the moral law etc The combination of a complex system of thought making it very difficult to fully comprehend Indian history Thus, the Varna need to be studied further in other sources like mythology, epigraphy, treatises, the writings of contemporary historical figures, historical artifacts for a multi-dimensional look But not all old books survey, there are an undeniable fact that Varna has existed as a social entity and leave a very serious consequences for the history of India Not only it has limited social development but also limiting the ability of human rise, makes easy working masses "obedient" to his identity, did not dare stand up fight That was one reason to explain the phenomenon, why while in China constantly occurs the struggle of the oppressed people in India still lies dormant in her sleep Official Laws of India today announced cancellation of the caste system However eradicate notions, irrational prejudice in everyone and everywhere in Indian country, especially in remote rural areas, it remains a difficult task, lasting and complex The Varna reflects the duality of ancient Indian society in particular, and the long history of India in general Varna is both a tool of the state to rule the populace, and also the foundation to maintain the traditional ethics which has existed for thousands of years in India Objectively, it contributed to preserving Indian national cultural identity, shaping the tradition, maintaining social stability in the country for a long time However, it has also caused Indian society to fall into stagnation for thousands of years Currently, India does not stand apart from the general development of the world, this country has made great economic achievements, with the strong development of information technology and high-quality human resources as well as increasingly important role in international affairs But also in there, one of the "heritages" of humankind's ancient is the caste system still exists Along with its bold identity from customs, habits and rituals of social life, this country has become famous for its seductive, mysterious civilization which attracts the world to more research PUBLISHED SCIENTIFIC WORKS RELATING TO THE THESIS Dinh Ngoc Bao – Tong Thi Quynh Huong (2011), The ogirin of Varna through the Manu law, Southeast Asian Studies, No.2 Dinh Ngoc Bao – Tong Thi Quynh Huong (2011), The Law of Manu – The Encyclopedia of Ancient Indian, Journal of Science, Hanoi National University of Education, No.2 Tong Thi Quynh Huong (2012), The system of Land Ownership in India through of some old books, Southeast Asian Studies, No.12 Dinh Ngoc Bao (chair) – Tong Thi Quynh Huong (secretary and chair a branch topic), Manu law in ancient and modern India, Ministry of Education and training-level scientific projects, code B2009-17-205, accepted 2012 Tong Thi Quynh Huong (2013), The influence of Manu on the caste system in modern India, Scientific Conference Proceedings Young pedagogical universities, Third, Da Nang Publishing House Tong Thi Quynh Huong (2013), Indian Social Order through the Lens of Mahabharata and Ramayana, Review of Indian and Asian Studies, No.07 Tong Thi Quynh Huong (chair), Varna through some old books, Hanoi National University of Education-level scientific projects, code SPHN12154, accepted 2013 Tong Thi Quynh Huong (2014), Old India’s Social Structures through the Work of Kautilya, Southeast Asian Studies, No.5 Tong Thi Quynh Huong (2014), The influence of Manu on the caste system in modern India, Journal of Science, Hanoi National University of Education, Volume 59, Number 10 Tong Thi Quynh Huong (2015), Indian Economy during the Maurya (321 – 232 BC) and Its Impacts to the Changes of the Caste System through Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Review of Indian and Asian Studies, No.08 [...]... deification of Varnas Fifth, Indian old books also have long-term values to life, help us to understand the influences of Varnas with Indian history in the long time CHAPTER 3 THE ORIGIN AND DISTINCTION AMONG VARNAS IN INDIAN OLD BOOKS 3.1 The origin of Varnas When explaining the creation of the world, Hinduism ideology has gradually discover that the world of the phenomenon varies with a supreme invisible... socialIndian culture in a long time, while the regime of Varna Second, the values of old books in understanding Varna are also reflected in the content storage Varnas mentioned in these documents Third, the old books also represent the earliest thinking of Indian about the universe, man and the relationship between man and nature, man and society, including Varnas Therefore, may be considered Varnas. .. gap between Varnas has shown that with the same sin, sinner as in Varnas increasingly higher penalties are mitigated gradually, at a lower Varna increasingly stiffer penalties However, victims increasingly higher Varna, criminals increasingly heavier penalties, victims increasingly lower in Varna, as treated lightly sinners gradually 3.2.2 In Economy 3.2.2.1 About profession Corresponding to his position... domination instead of a the king has sovereignty and infinite as in those countries Second, Varnas helped India State keeping social stability, maintaining the moral and ethical tradition of Indian residents throughout the course of history of this country Thirdly, Varnas became dominant tool of the state, it created the biggest rift in the Indian society, deepen the contradictions between the dominant... consistent with the properties of the universe In general, the old books are affirmed divine origin of Varna, Varna system formation involves the creation of the world of the Supreme Spirit Accordingly, Indian population was divided into many castes, including 4 major castes: Brahmansincluding priests, Kshatryias including aristocracy, king and Vaisyas including majority affordable and Sudras are the servicemen... of the caste in Indian society, as well as the core beliefs of the Hindu religion 4.3 Varnas in Indian old books was documented from the perspective of the ruling class about social reality Varnas in old books is essentially a "Varna on the text" rather than an entity outside life as it expressed deep views of the ruling class social situation Varna has been explained by the notion of Hinduism through... so we can consider it as a product of Hinduism Brahman caste is also the only caste intellect should explain what is in the books, so that old books are thinking of Brahman about social The old books they wrote are also aimed at explaining to the Vedas Moreover, Varnas in ancient documents was an ideal society with the concept of Hinduism Because through the old books, we can see that the regime is both... books reflects social differentiation of Indian ancient society Firstly, can be seen Varnas in India old books reflects is a reflection of the real situation of social differentiation in ancient India However, that reflect the status and interests of the class is not entirely consistent with a social order under a monarchy In Indian old books, Varnas is reflected in a very detailed, complex and has much... meat and abstinence The birth twice used only when fed meat offerings, and the meat should be used in other circumstances be considered as a violation of rules They should abstain from all meats because it is part of the implementation of the feats of asceticism; abstinence is considered the major accomplishment CHAPTER 4 SOME ASSESSMENTS OF VARNAS IN INDIAN OLD BOOKS 4.1 Varnas in Indian old books reflects... in that books, into the regulation on social order that everyone must follow Fourth, old books explain cosmic origin, social and human, including the origin of Varnas The Hindu scriptures are also the text refers specifically and in detail to the general provisions of Varna under legal aspects (Manu, Narada) and texts, literature (Vedas, Upanishads, Mahabharata, Ramayana ) In other words, the old books