The System of Varnas

Al-Bir uni’s account of the system of varnas is as follows:

• The highest caste is the Brahmana, of whom the books of the Hindus tell us that they were created from the head of Brahman.

• The Brahman is only another name for the force called nature and the head is the highest part of the body and the Brahmana are the choice part of the whole genus.

• Therefore the Hindus consider them as the very best of mankind. The next caste is the Kshatriya, who were created as they say from the shoulders and hands of Brahman.

• Their degree is not much below that of the Brahmana. After them follow the Vaishya, who were created from the thigh of Brahman.

• The Shudra, who were created from his feet Between the latter two classes there is no very great distance.

• However, as these classes differ from each other, they live together in the same towns and villages, mixed in the same houses and lodgings.

God Knows Best: Travellers did not always believe what they were told. When faced with the story of a wooden idol that supposedly lasted for 216,432 years.

Al-Biruni asks: How, then, could wood have lasted such a length of time, and particularly in a place where the air and the soil are rather wet? God knows best!

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Al-Biruni came to India in 1017 AD. Despite the circumstances of his arrival, he developed a deep fascination with Indian culture. He also learned Sanskrit to better understand the Indian Culture and Religion.

He documented his observations in his magnum opus, “Kitab al-Hind” (Book of India). This book is a treasure of information on ancient India covering everything from mathematics and astronomy to religion, customs, and social structures.

In this article, You will get the Notes of Class 12 History Notes Chapter 5 Making Sense of an Alien World Al-Biruni and the Sanskritic Tradition.