In modern Madras Presidency
the nonviolent ideals of Mahatma Gandhi have made great headway;
the white distinguishing "Gandhi caps" are seen everywhere. In
the south generally the Mahatma has effected many important temple
reforms for "untouchables" as well as caste-system reforms.
The origin of the caste system, formulated by the great legislator
Manu, was admirable. He saw clearly that men are distinguished by
natural evolution into four great classes: those capable of offering
service to society through their bodily labor (SUDRAS); those who
serve through mentality, skill, agriculture, trade, commerce, business
life in general (VAISYAS); those whose talents are administrative,
executive, and protective-rulers and warriors (KSHATRIYAS);
those of contemplative nature, spiritually inspired and inspiring
(BRAHMINS). "Neither birth nor sacraments nor study nor ancestry
can decide whether a person is twice-born (i.e., a BRAHMIN);" the
MAHABHARATA declares, "character and conduct only can decide."
{FN41-9} Manu instructed society to show respect to its members
insofar as they possessed wisdom, virtue, age, kinship or, lastly,
wealth. Riches in Vedic India were always despised if they were
hoarded or unavailable for charitable purposes. Ungenerous men of
great wealth were assigned a low rank in society.
Serious evils arose when the caste system became hardened through
the centuries into a hereditary halter.
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