Kshatriya

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• For the Bollywood film of the same name see Kshatriya (film)

Kshatriya (Sanskrit: क्षत्रिय, kṣatriya from Sanskrit: क्षत्र, kṣatra) or Kashtriya, meaning warrior, is one of the four varnas (social orders) in Hinduism. Traditionally Kshatriya/Chattaris constitute the military and ruling elite of the Vedic-Hindu social system outlined by the Vedas and the Laws of Manu.

Etymology

Sanskrit akṣatra, ruling; one of the ruling order member of the Kṣatriya caste^[1] is the derivation for Old Persian xšaθra ("realm, power"), xšaθrya ("royal"), and xšāyaθiya ("emperor") are related to it, as are the New Persian words šāh ("emperor") and šahr ("city", "realm").^{[citation needed]} Thai: กษัตริย์ (kasat), "king" or "monarch," and similar-sounding Malay kesatria or satria, "knight" or "warrior"[3], are also derived from it. The term may also denote aristocratic status.

History

Initially in ancient Vedic society, this position was achieved on the merits of a person's aptitude, conduct, and nature.^{[citation needed]} The earliest Vedic literature listed by organization of function, not of caste, the Kshatriya (holders of kṣatra, or authority) as first in rank, and the Brahmins second (priests and teachers of law), before the Vaisya (Cattle-herders, merchant-traders, farmers and some artisan castes),^[2] and the Sudra (labourers, some farming castes and other artisan castes).Manusmriti assigns cattle rearing as an occupation of Vaisya; however there are references in available literature that Kshatriyas also owned and reared the cattle and cattle-wealth was the mainstay of their households. Emperors of Kosala and Prince of Kasi are some of many examples.^[2]

Movements of individuals and groups from one class to another, both upward and downward, were not uncommon; a rise in status even to the rank of Kshatriya was a recognized reward for outstanding service to the rulers of the day.^{[3][dubious – discuss]} Over the years it became hereditary.^{[citation needed]} In modern times, the Kshatriya varna includes a broad class of caste groups, differing considerably in status and function but united by their claims to ruler-ship, the pursuit of war, or the possession of land.^{[citation needed]}

The legend that the Kshatriyas, with the exception of the Ikshvakus, were destroyed by Parasurama, the sixth reincarnation of Vishnu, as a punishment for their tyranny is thought by some scholars to reflect a long struggle for supremacy between priests and rulers that ended in victory for the former. By the end of the Vedic era, the Brahmins were supreme, and the Kshatriya had fallen to second place. Texts such as the Manusmṛti (a book of Hindu law) and most other dharmashastras (works of jurisprudence) report a Brahman victory, but epic texts often offer a different account, and it is likely that in social reality rulers have usually ranked first. The persistent representation of deities (especially Vishnu, Krishna, and Rama) as rulers underscores the point, as does the elaborate series of ritual roles and privileges pertaining to kings through most of Hindu history.^{[4][dubious – discuss]}

Vedic origin

In the Rig Veda the varnas are not rigid and were related to one's actions. The Rig Veda refers to the ways in which Gods four body parts make up the four classes, depending on the nature or values that the human holds. The Brahmans were to signify spiritual and intellectual values and were to be in charge of teaching the Vedic Sanskrit, thus are made up of his head. The Kshatryas were the warriors who protected the countries and thus are made up of his arms. The Vaishyas were the farmers and merchants in the production nature and thus are made up of his belly and the Shudras were the laborers who perform menial chores of farming, labor, artisans and all the jobs required of a society and thus are made up of his legs. This was interpreted as meaning that no one caste is more important than the other and that society cannot survive without all parts working together.^{[citation needed]}

According to Vedic theology , Manu is considered the law-giver and progenitor of humanity. He had over 50 sons. Manu was both king and priest and his children (and thus all of humanity) are considered highborn. Due to the eventual differences in occupations, people ended up in different jātis and castes. Those who studied the Vedas became known as Brahmins, those who practised trade became Vaishya, those who labored became Sudra, and those who took up martial arts became Kshatriyas.^{[citation needed]}

According to popular myth/lore Rajputs/Thakurs came into being in 6th century AD through a of yagya done by Sage Agastya, though this might refer to Yagya done to provide regal legitimacy to certain warrior tribes. As Jats, assimilated many Surya, Chandra, Nag and Yaduvanshis into their being, same way Rajputs increased their vansh by assimilating same clans of Kshatriyas. Most Yaduvanshis became part of Jat and Rajput clans. For example, Bharatpur's Jat kingdom belong to Sri Krishna's Vrishni clan. Many Gurjar clans like Bhati got divided between Rajput, Jat and Muslims.^{[citation needed]}

Most of the Gurjars (or Gujjars) believe to have descended from Suryavanshi Kshatriyas (Sun Dynasty) and connect themselves with Shri Ram Chandra.^[5] Historically, the Gurjars were Sun-worshipers and are described as devoted to the Sun-god (God Surya). Their copper-plate grants bear an emblem of the Sun and on their seals, too, this symbol is depicted.^[6] Also the Gurjar title of honor is Mihir which means Sun.^[7][8]

Varna-Jati-Caste

There is confusion between Varna, Jati and Caste. While the term varna refers to the four broad different classes in society, the term jati refers to the different specific endogamous sections of the Hindu Society which are known as castes. Varna means "color" as well as "veil". It shows the four different ways in which the Divine Self is hidden in human beings. In the context of color people have confused it to mean race but it actually represents the distinct qualities (guna) that the four functional classes possess in their hearts and minds. The four different qualities of human beings:^{[citation needed]}

1. If a person possessed the qualities of purity, love, faith and detachment, seek true knowledge and have a spiritual temperament, they would be represented by the color White (sattva = truthful). Those that belong to this color, belong to the Brahman class.
2. If a person possessed the qualities of action, will, aggression, and energy, seek honor, power, status and have a martial and political temperament, they would be represented by the color Red (rajas = energetic; the color of blood, sacrifice). Those that belong to this color belong to the Kshatriya class.
3. If a person tried to seek communication, interchange, trade, business and possessed a commercial temperament they were represented by the color Yellow. They make up the Vaishya class.
4. Those individuals in society with a love of growing crops (nature) or a love of arts (shudra)(farmers and artisans) were represented by the color Black (tamas = inert, solid). Those belonging to this color are shudras.

The use of 'color' in this sense is metaphorical, however over time racialist interpretations, most notably the 'martial races' theory of the British Raj, gave way to the concept of 'heritable dharma', family castes, and the present divisions in Indian society.^{[citation needed]}

• Panchjanya, meaning five people, is the common name given to the five most ancient Vedic kshatriya tribes. It is supposed they are all descendants of the Turvasu. They are Yadu, Sini/Shini, Puru, Anu and Druhyu. For example, Yadav is descended from the Yadu; Saini is descended from Shini and Shoorsen both of whom were Yaduvanshi kings, Paurav is descended from the Puru; etc.^{[citation needed]}

Theories of origin

Historians generally agree that caste became hereditary around the time of the rise of Buddhism and Jainism based on archaeological, literary, and artistic evidence of the communities that existed in India.^{[citation needed]} Gautama Buddha and Mahavira are two Kshatriya sages who made a lasting impression on the world.^{[citation needed]} They did not believe in the pre-eminence of the Vedas and taught to the masses, not keeping spirituality to an elite few.^{[citation needed]} Ashoka Maurya became ardent follower of this faith and promoted it throughout the Mauryan empire. This resulted in the decline in status of the Brahman order.^{[citation needed]}

Two camps exist about the importance of these texts. One camp is similar to the literalists of the Christian faith who believe that their holy texts are verbatim documentation of real people, events and dates and that modern society is descended from them.^{[citation needed]} The other camp believes that the holy texts are not meant to be taken literally and should be used symbolically as examples of the proper way to live.^{[citation needed]}

Those who believe the Mahabharata, Ramayana and Puranas were verbatim documents feel that modern Kshatriyas are descended from the Vedic Kshatriyas^{[citation needed]}. The reason for the controversy is that we do not have any physical evidence of their existence. There are no bones, forts, weapons, coins, monuments, pictures etc. discovered to state unequivocally that they existed. However the clans as mentioned in Mahabharat for certain castes has existed as it is since time unknown, and provides the basis for belief in these texts.^{[citation needed]}

The literalists believe that most of the Kshatriya communities descend from Surya, Chandra, or Agni. The Surya descendants claim descent from the Sun Dynasty (Suryavanshi). Rama also belonged to this dynasty, and the Suryavanshis, who trace this lineage via Rama's son, Luv) trace their linage back to him.^{[citation needed]} The Chandra descendants claim descent from the Lunar Dynasty (Chandravansh). Krishna is believed to be born in this dynasty. Chandravanshi Kshtriyas consider him as an ancestor. This is mentioned in the Rig Veda and other Puranas as well as in Great epics, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Raghuvaṃśa.^{[citation needed]}

Social status

Past

An 1876 engraving of Khokar Rajputs of Punjab from the Illustrated London News.

In the past people looked upon Kshatriyans to protect them from all dangers.^{[citation needed]} Kshatriyans were kings and warriors in the army, all soldiers knew basics of Kshatriyan martial arts. The folklore talks of some great Kshatriyans and legends.^{[citation needed]} The status of Kshatriyans was clearly exalted.^{[citation needed]} Legends tell that Kshatriyan could be told by sight because of his tall, strong and muscular male look.^{[citation needed]} They were supposedly able to fight blindfolded and archers could hit a target by just sound in the dead of the night.^{[citation needed]} Stories of exemplary courage still circulate by word of mouth and are recorded as folk-tales.^{[citation needed]} Teachers of Kshatriyans never accepted non-kshatriyans,^{[citation needed]} for example see the story of Ekalavya.

Present

Families consider it as a status symbol or a decoration to have the famous two crossed swords in a shield symbol of a Kshatriyan hung in their house.^{[citation needed]} The Kshatriyan is still a great name and older generation of rural India still attach a great value to it.^{[citation needed]} South Indian Kalarippayattu gurukal teach the old martial art still.^{[citation needed]} The Kalarippayattu is seriously being revived^{[citation needed]} but the old tradition of accepting only Kshatriyans to learn Kalarippayattu has been dropped.^{[citation needed]} The Marathas in Maharashtra and central India attach great pride and command a sense of respect among common people by their lineage while Rajput in Rajasthan.^{[citation needed]}

The situation has changed in modern times and Kshatriyas do not have much to gain or lose in status by their Kshatriya lineage. One area where the Kshatriya heritage has been prominent is the Indian Army.^[9]

Kshatriya regiments make up a large^{[citation needed]} portion of the Indian and Nepali Armed forces. Notable among them are Punjab Regiment,^[10] 9th, 16th and 17th Battalions of Madras Regiment (Nair), Maratha Light Infantry (Maratha), Rajputana Rifles (Mainly of Rajasthani Rajputs, Gurjars^[10] and Jats), Jat Regiment, Dogra Regiment, The Garhwal Rifles, Kumaon Regiment and Rajput Regiment.

Demographics

According to the 1891 Census of India, Martial Races made up more than 10% of the population of British India.^{[citation needed]} This percentage might have decreased over the years. An example is that of the Nairs in Kerala who were decimated during the Mysore invasion of Kerala. Nairs constituted more than 30% of the population of Kerala during the 1854 census,^[11] but decreased to 14.41% in 1968 and further decreased to 12.88% in 2000.^[12][13][14] Frequent warfare was the main cause for demographic decline during early years, but low fertility is the main problem nowadays. (In Kerala, the Malayala Kshatriyas have a fertility of 1.47 children per woman, while the Muslims have 2.97 children per woman).^[15]

Specialties

The Rajputs were known to make deft political maneuvers to consolidate their kingdom or to defeat an enemy. They are also known to follow certain codes of war to fight a battle. They are recorded in history as a kind of fierce warrior clan who make brave attempts within their war codes to retrieve a lost kingdom or defeat a dangerous enemy.^{[citation needed]} They are also legendarily said to have untiring persistence to attain their goal as in the case of Maharana Pratap.^{[citation needed]} The rajputs are considered to be most revered and persistent Kshatriyas.^{[citation needed]}

Praiseful references of might and administration of the Gurjars can be found in Arab records as well as Indian inscriptions.Kupadvanj inscription of 910A.D. mentions them as Roaring Gurjar.^[16]Arab records say that the Gurjar king maintained numerous forces and no other Indian prince had so fine a cavalry.Arab invaders referred Gurjars as their greatest foe.^[17]

The Maratha warrior and emperor Shivaji Bhonsale, born April, 1627 (also Shrimant Rajaram Shivaji Raje Bhonsle - Chhatrapati Maharaj) had his own army specialized in guerrilla warfare and a particular tale of valor is also a historical fact. It is the tale of Sinhagad Fort. Jats employed guerilla warfare in Bharatpur, which was very close to the stronghold of Mughals. They were able to fight successfully against Mughal ruler Aurangzeb 30 km from Agra.^{[citation needed]}

South India, particularly Kerala also has its own share of Kshatriyans who are better known as members of Raja-Kudumba's or royal families. They practice the worlds oldest martial art known as Kalarippayattu. The Kalarippayattu has something commonly known as Marma Kalai or Varma Kalai where the Marmam is attacked which instantly disables or kills the enemy without making any externally visible injury.^{[citation needed]}

Kshatriya Dharma

Kshatriya Dharma is the rules to be followed by a Kshatriyan to do justice to his caste and status. it still exists in more logical and evolved forms.^{[citation needed]}

Kshtariya Dharma is specifically described in the Mahabharata^[18]:

"Have you never heard the Kshatriya Dharma: Stand straight and never bow down, for this alone is manliness. Rather break at the knots than bend!"

Symbols associated with Kshatriya

The flag of Mahl Kshatriyas.

In rituals, the Nyagrodha (Ficus Indica or India Fig/Banyan tree) danda, or staff, is assigned to the Kshatriya class, and along with a mantra, intended to impart physical vitality or 'ojas'.^[19]

The Nyagrodha or Banyan tree, (not to be confused with the Pipul, Ficus Religiosus or Sacred Fig), with its hanging, branch-like root-trunks which can grow to several acres, is considered symbolically equivalent to the Kshtariya. Where the Nyragrodha is fastened to the ground and supported by its downward growths, the Kshatriya is thought of as supported by the larger society 'beneath' it.^{[citation needed]}

In the Manu Smriti, or Laws of Manu, the Kshatriya caste is given the Varna (Color) red.

Kshatriya lineage

Siddhartha Gautama or Gautama Buddha was born into a Hindu Kshatriya family

The major branches of Kshatriya varna are: Suryavanshi (solar line), claiming direct descent from Ramachandra, and descent from Surya; Chandravanshi (lunar line), claiming descent from Yadu, as Yadu was himself born in a Chandravanshi dynasty,^[20] and descent from Chandra; Agnivanshi, claiming descent from Agni; and Nagavanshi, claiming descent from the Nāgas.

Suryavanshi

Main article: Suryavanshi

The Suryavanshi or Solar dynasty lineage claims descent from Surya. Suryavanshis also claim descent from Rama, who was himself born into a Suryavanshi dynasty. Kshatriya of Punjab, or Khatri as they are known in the Punjabi dialect hail from this dynasty. Out of the 36 major clans of Rajastani Rajputs, 10 belong to the Suryavanshi lineage (Shekhawat, Rathore, Sisodia, Kachwaha.etc.)^[21]

Chandravanshi

Main article: Chandravanshi

The Chandravanshi or Lunar dynasty lineage claims descent from Chandra. Chandravanshis also claim descent from Yadu, who was himself born into a Chandravanshi dynasty.^[20]

Agnivanshi

Main article: Agnivanshi

The Agnivanshi lineage claims descent from Agni. Clans like Bhadauria, Chauhan, Parihar, Panwar & Solanki are of Agnivanshi lineage.^[21][22][23]

Nāgvanshi

Main article: Nagavanshi

The Nāgvanshi or Serpent dynasty is a sub-clan of Suryavanshi kshatriyas. They adopted Naga as their symbol and worshipped Lord Shiva in various forms. Nāgvanshis include most of the Nair^[24][25] and Bunt clans as well as some Rajput (Saharan Rajputs,^[26] Bais Rajputs, Naga Rajputs, Takshak Rajputs.^[27] etc.) and Jat clans. The Nāgvanshi (or Nāgbanshi) are known for ruling Chhotanagpur.^[28][29] Most important among the Jat clans which are of Nāga origin includes Bachak Jats,^{[citation needed]} Kaliramna Jats,^{[citation needed]} and Katewa Jats.^[30][31] Outside India, the Balinese Kshatriyas^[32][33][34] claim descent from Nāgvanshis. In South West India, the Naga Sendraka rulers of Nayarkhanda (Nagarkhanda) were feudatories to the Chalukyas.^[35] The Sindas of Bastar were also of Nagavanshi origin.^[36]

Others

• Velirs/Vellalars, Tamil gentry, ancient feudal landlords.^[37][38][39]
• Chera/Chola/Pandya, Tamil royal lineage linked to the Velir/Vellalar caste.^[40][41]
• The alien hordes that did not follow priestly customs or traditions (Shakas, Kushans, Indo-Greeks, Hunas and Parthians) were stated as Vratya Kshatriyas in Manusmriti.^[42]
• The Meitei of Manipur were recognized as Kshatriyas by the Bengali and Assamese Brahmins as they are thought to be the descendants of Lord Arjuna.^[43]
• Gurung and Magar ethnic groups are recognized as Kshatriyas in Nepal by the Bahun, along with other Kshatriya groups such as Thakore and Chhetri.^[44]
• Shrestha subdivision among ethnic Newar is recognized as Kshatriya in Nepal.^[45]

See also

• Indian caste system
• Forward Castes
• Jāti

References

1. ^ Turner, Sir Ralph Lilley; Dorothy Rivers Turner (January 2006) [1962]. A comparative dictionary of the Indo-Aryan languages. (Accompanied by three supplementary volumes: indexes, compiled by Dorothy Rivers Turner: 1969. – Phonetic analysis: 1971. – Addenda et corrigenda: 1985. ed.). London: Oxford University Press,. pp. 189–190. http://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/philologic/contextualize.pl?p.4.soas.198140. Retrieved October 23, 2011. "kṣatríya 3649" 
2. ^ ^{a b} Arun Kumar (2002). Encyclopaedia of Teaching of Agriculture. Anmol Publications PVT. LTD.. pp. 411–. ISBN 9788126113163. http://books.google.com/books?id=fhWZNMlzHewC&pg=PA411. Retrieved 4 July 2011. 
3. ^ "Kshatriya." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2008. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 5 June 2008
4. ^ Encyclopædia Britannica Online
5. ^ Kamal Prashad Sharma; Surinder Mohan Sethi (1997). Costumes and ornaments of Chamba. ISBN 9788173870675. http://books.google.co.in/books?id=TQwKtSFn9FMC&pg=PA57&lpg. 
6. ^ Lālatā Prasāda Pāṇḍeya (1971). Sun-worship in ancient India. Motilal Banarasidass. p. 245. 
7. ^ Bombay (India : State) (1901). Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency, Volume 9, Part 1. Govt. Central Press. p. 479. 
8. ^ Chandrasekharendra Saraswati (Jagatguru Sankaracharya of Kamakoti); Śaṅkarācārya, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (2001). Śri Śaṅkara Bhagavatpādācārya's Saundaryalaharī. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. p. 339. 
9. ^ http://www.jstor.org/pss/2943173
10. ^ ^{a b} Gautam Sinha, Valour and sacrifice: famous regiments of the Indian Army. Allied Publishers. 1990. p. 137. 
11. ^ 1854 Census of Travancore, 1846 Census of Malabar
12. ^ The Hindu (Chennai, India). http://pay.hindu.com/ebook%20-%20ebfl20061229part1.pdf. 
13. ^ The 1968 Socio-Economic Survey by the Government of Kerala
14. ^ Report on the Census of Travancore - Google Books
15. ^ SpringerLink - Population Research and Policy Review, Volume 22, Numbers 5-6
16. ^ Bombay (India : State) (1901). Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency, Volume 9, Part 1. Govt. Central Press. p. 481. "With the roaring Gujar an ephithet in the Kupadvanj Rashtrakutta grant of AD 910..." 
17. ^ John Keay (2001). India: a history. Grove Press. p. 95. ISBN 0-8021-3797-0, ISBN 978-0-8021-3797-5. http://books.google.co.in/books?id=3aeQqmcXBhoC&pg=PA195&dq. 
18. ^ Mahabharata, as retold by William Buck, University of California Press Berkeley Los Angeles London 1973
19. ^ Reflections on Resemblance, Ritual, and Religion; Brian K. Smith
20. ^ ^{a b} Sinha, Purnendu Narayana (1901). "THE LUNAR DYNASTY (SKANDHA 9)". A study of the Bhagavata Purana; or, Esoteric Hinduism. Freeman (Benares). p. 229. http://www.archive.org/stream/astudyofthebhaga00sinhuoft#page/n229/mode/2up. 
21. ^ ^{a b} Rajasthan, Part 2 By D. K. Samanta, S. K. Mandal, N. N. Vyas, Anthropological survey of India p.786
22. ^ Rajasthan & Gujarat handbook: the ... - Google Books
23. ^ Memoirs on the History, Folk-Lore ... - Google Books
24. ^ Downfall of Hindu India By Chintaman Vinayak Vaidya. Page:278 "and Nāir (Nāgara) Kshatriyas sent out a religious invasion under Sankara which subjugated the whole of India. The history of Kerala goes hack to the"
25. ^ The origin of Saivism and its history in the Tamil land By K. R. Subramanian, K. R. Subramanian (M.A.) p.21
26. ^ Punjab district gazetteers: reprint of Phulkian states (Patiala, Jind, and ... By Punjab (India). Gazetteers Organisation (Punjab Govt. Press, 1909.) Page 243
27. ^ The American journal of archaeology ... - Google Books
28. ^ The Nāgvanshis of Chotanagpur By Sudha Kumari Sinha
29. ^ Encyclopaedia of Indian tribes By C. Sahu p.123
30. ^ Rama Shankar Tripathi (1987). History of ancient India. p. 344. ISBN 8120800184. 
31. ^ Naval Viyogi (2002). Nagas, the ancient rulers of India: their origin and history. The History of indigenous people of India, Volume 2 (Illustrated ed.). Originals. p. 67. ISBN 8175362871. 
32. ^ Warta Hindu dharma, Issues 140-150 p.021
33. ^ Kamus agama Hindu By I Wayan Musna p.32
34. ^ Widya Dharma Agama Hindu SMP kls 9 By I Wayan Midastra, I Ketut Maruta p.8
35. ^ The origin of Saivism and its ... - Google Books
36. ^ The origin of Saivism and its ... - Google Books
37. ^ Ancient Indian History and Civilization By Sailendrda Nath Sen Page 205 & 207: "... the Vellalars were the aristocratic classe and were held in high esteem..."
38. ^ The Harappan civilization and its writing: a model for the decipherment of the Indus Script... By Walter Ashlin Fairservis 52/53 pages: " The relationship of vellalan (Tamil) and vellalar (Malayalam) to terms for ancient chiefs velir, etc., provide us with a term for the system of chiefs as a whole, vellalar"
39. ^ Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain & Ireland, Volume 19 By Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland (1887) page 582: "The reason why Manu styled the Drâvidian Vellâlar as degraded Kshatriyas was doubtless owing to the fact that the first Brahman settlers found them almost in exclusive possession of land..."; [1]
40. ^ The Tamils Eighteen Hundred Years Ago - by V. Kanakasabhai - Tamil (Indic people) - 1904 - 240 pages; page 113: "The Chera, Chola and Pandyan kings and most of the petty chiefs of Tamilakam belonged to the tribe of Vellâlas."
41. ^ Tamil studies: essays on the history of the Tamil people, language, religion ... By Muttusvami Srinivasa Aiyangar page 63: "No traces of the Tamil kings are to be found at present in this country, and it is highly probable that they should have merged with the Vellala caste..."[2]
42. ^ Magumdar, Raichaudhry. Notes of IGNOUDelhi University, Allahabad University, Banaras Hindu University, JNU, Jamia Milia Islamia (Irfan Habib)
43. ^ Encyclopaedia of North-East India: Manipur By Hamlet Bareh p.274-277
44. ^ Sociology of Indian tea industry: a study of inter-ethnic relationships By Khemraj Sharma (Education officer.) p.54
45. ^ Fatalism and development: Nepal's struggle for modernization By Dor Bahadur Bista p.59

Further reading

• History and Culture of Indian People, The Vedic Age, p 313-314