Que. “The copious references to the preservation of the Varnashrama system by the kings eulogized in inscriptions are mere reflection of the Smriti tradition.” Discuss.
प्रश्न: “अभिलेखों में प्रशस्तित राजाओं द्वारा वर्णाश्रम व्यवस्था के परिरक्षण के प्रचुर उल्लेख स्मृति परम्परा का प्रतिबिम्ब मात्र हैं।” विवेचना कीजिए।
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Structure: (i) Introduction: Briefly explain the Varnashrama system and its relevance in Smriti tradition. (ii) Main Body: Discuss how kingship and inscriptions reflect the Smriti tradition, focusing on Varnashrama preservation, its symbolic nature, and historians’ viewpoints. (iii) Conclusion: Summarize how the Varnashrama references in inscriptions mirror Smriti ideals rather than reality. |
Introduction:
The Varnashrama system is an ancient socio-religious order dividing society into four varnas and four stages of life (ashramas), central to the Smriti tradition. It represents idealized norms in Hindu law texts, governing caste duties and social hierarchy.
Preservation of Varnashrama System in Inscriptions: A Reflection of Smriti Tradition
(i) Varnashrama System as an Idealized Model: The Varnashrama system, as described in Smriti texts like Manusmriti, was more of an idealized, theoretical model than a reflection of lived realities (Historian: R.S. Sharma).
(ii) Role of Kings in Upholding Dharma: Inscriptions frequently praise kings as upholders of dharma, including the Varnashrama system, symbolizing their role as protectors of social order based on Smriti laws.
(iii) Symbolism Over Practical Enforcement: Inscriptions may emphasize the preservation of the Varnashrama system, but this was often symbolic and ceremonial rather than a strict reflection of socio-political realities (Historian: Romila Thapar).
(iv) Eulogizing Kingship Through Smriti Tradition: Kings were eulogized in inscriptions for maintaining caste hierarchy, reinforcing their role as protectors of the divine order described in Smriti texts, thus ensuring their legitimacy.
(v) Limited Practical Impact of Varnashrama in Society: The strict enforcement of the Varnashrama system as portrayed in inscriptions was limited, as actual social mobility and flexibility often existed in society (Historian: D.D. Kosambi).
(vi) Inscriptions Reflecting Ideological Continuity: Inscriptions served to reflect the ideological continuity between the Vedic and post-Vedic eras, promoting the perception that rulers upheld ancient socio-religious principles.
(vii) Kings as Dharmic Protectors: Kings were seen as the protectors of the caste-based social order, reinforcing their divine legitimacy, as mentioned in both inscriptions and Smriti texts (Historian: Romila Thapar).
(viii) Smriti Traditions as a Source of Royal Legitimacy: The eulogization of kings in inscriptions aligns with the Smriti tradition, where royal power is connected to the king’s duty to preserve Varnashrama, a reflection of Brahmanical influence.
(ix) Role of Brahmins in Inscriptions: Brahmins were often credited with guiding kings in upholding Varnashrama, and their influence is evident in the inscriptions, reflecting Smriti-based religious authority (Historian: Burton Stein).
(x) Inscriptional Evidence from Gupta Period: Inscriptions from the Gupta period, especially those of Samudragupta and Chandragupta II, highlight the rulers’ role in maintaining Varnashrama, symbolizing the ideological dominance of the Smriti tradition.
Conclusion:
While inscriptions laud kings for preserving the Varnashrama system, these references primarily reflect the Smriti tradition’s ideals rather than the actual social structure. The symbolic portrayal reinforced royal legitimacy and Brahmanical authority, maintaining ideological continuity with the past.
