3.3.1. The 'right' occupation

The Dharmasutras and Dharmashastras also contained rules about the ideal “occupations” of the four categories or varnas. Brahmanas were supposed to study and teach the Vedas, perform sacrifices and get sacrifices performed, and give and receive gifts. Kshatriyas were to engage in warfare, protect people and administer justice, study the Vedas, get sacrifices performed, and make gifts. The last three “occupations” were also assigned to the Vaishyas, who were in addition expected to engage in agriculture, pastoralism and trade. Shudras were assigned only one occupation – that of serving the three “higher” varnas.

This chunk outlines the prescribed occupations for each of the four varnas in ancient Indian society. Brahmanas (priests and teachers) were tasked with scholarly and ritual responsibilities, Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers) were meant to protect and administer justice, Vaishyas (merchants and farmers) had roles in trade and agriculture, while Shudras (laborers) were to serve the other three varnas. This division of labor was based on a structured social order aimed at maintaining a balance in society's functioning.

Think of this societal structure like a school. In a school, each student has a role—some are teachers (like Brahmanas), some are security guards (like Kshatriyas), some do administrative work (like Vaishyas), and some maintain the classrooms (like Shudras). Each role is necessary for the school to run smoothly, much like how each varna plays a crucial part in maintaining societal harmony.

The Brahmanas evolved two or three strategies for enforcing these norms. One, as we have just seen, was to assert that the varna order was of divine origin. Second, they advised kings to ensure that these norms were followed within their kingdoms. And third, they attempted to persuade people that their status was determined by birth. However, this was not always easy. So prescriptions were often reinforced by stories told in the Mahabharata and other texts.

This chunk explains how the Brahmanas justified the social order by claiming it was divinely ordained and linked to one's birth. They suggested that kings uphold this order, hence ensuring social stratification was maintained. This belief was supported by stories in religious texts, such as the Mahabharata, reinforcing these norms in the minds of the people and asserting the idea that one’s societal role was predetermined and unchangeable.

Imagine a family where certain chores are assigned to each member based on a family tradition. Suppose the oldest child is always expected to take care of the garden, while the youngest only does indoor tasks. Over time, this becomes a norm in the family, and everyone believes that these assignments are meant to be. In this way, just as family duties can be seen as 'job roles,' the varna system was considered a natural order that everyone had to follow.

Here is a story from the Adi Parvan of the Mahabharata: Once Drona, a Brahmana who taught archery to the Kuru princes, was approached by Ekalavya, a forest-dwelling nishada (a hunting community). When Drona, who knew the dharma, refused to have him as his pupil, Ekalavya returned to the forest, prepared an image of Drona out of clay, and treating it as his teacher, began to practise on his own. In due course, he acquired great skill in archery.

This anecdote illustrates the conflict between social norms and individual ambition. Despite Ekalavya’s dedication and talent, Drona refused to teach him because he belonged to a lower social class (nishada). Ekalavya's determination led him to create a makeshift teacher in Drona's likeness and master archery on his own. This story highlights the rigid boundaries imposed by the varna system and the courage to challenge those norms.

Consider a scenario where a smart student is unable to join a prestigious club at school due to their background, yet chooses to teach themselves the skills required to succeed in similar pursuits alone. Ekalavya represents those who, despite barriers, pursue their dreams with tenacity, which can inspire others facing similar situations.

Ultimately, the social structure prescribed by the Brahmanas aimed for a stable and orderly society. However, the actual practices did vary, as seen in various stories and historical records about how these norms were not always followed strictly or uniformly.

While the Dharma texts laid out strict occupational duties, historical evidence suggests that reality was more complex. People's roles could shift based on circumstances, showing how human agency can both reinforce and contest social norms. Various narratives from texts like the Mahabharata reveal individual stories of defiance and adaptation within this rigid framework.

Think about how in modern workplaces, while job roles are defined, people often take on multiple roles based on their skills and interests, leading to a dynamic work environment. This reflects a blend between following the rules and individual creativity, similar to how society sometimes bent or broke the rules laid down by Brahmanical texts.

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