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U.P.P.S.C. (R.I.) 2014

Ancient Indian Social Assimilation

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The social status assigned to the foreigners in Indian society by Manu was of the-

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Ancient Indian lawgivers had to find a place for foreign invaders (Sakas, Yavanas, Kushans) within the rigid Varna system to ensure social stability.

Explanation Manusmriti classifies these groups as 'Vratya Kshatriyas' (Fallen or degenerate Kshatriyas) who had lost their status because they failed to perform Vedic rituals.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Since foreigners were ruling warriors, they couldn't be called Shudras, but since they weren't Vedic, they weren't 'pure' Kshatriyas either.
Logic 2: Classification as 'Fallen Kshatriyas' allowed them to be assimilated into the ruling class while maintaining the theoretical supremacy of the Vedic order.

Active Recall

Question

What does the term 'Vratya' imply?

Answer

It refers to those who are of noble descent but have 'fallen' due to non-observance of the sacred rites and duties of their Varna.

Core Insight

The 'Fallen Kshatriya' status was a pragmatic legal fiction created by Brahmins to acknowledge the political power of foreign rulers while keeping them within the Hindu fold.

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