Brahmins Neither Masters Nor Servants, First In Dignity Greek Historian Diodorous 1 BC

While Indian History was doctored after the arrival of the British, it continues even today, Greek Historians seem to have recorded Indian History with an amount of integrity.

I shall be writing on the description of India by Greek Historians from antiquity.

Herebelow I am quoting the Greek Historian DIODORUS SICULUS, first century BC.

I am quoting the portion that speaks of Brahmins of India.

Brahmins are being vilified for everything in India.

Be it the hiding of the Vedas from Non Brahmin(the same people say Vedas are rubbish!),

Be it the oppression of some communities in India.

And Brahmins are accused of usurping power!

My answer to this is that if Brahmins wanted power, Sage Vasishta could have assumed power when Lord Rama was banished to Forest and his brother Bharatha was unwilling to assume charge,

Chanakya, Kautilya did not usurp power from Chandragupta, who would have willingly given kingdom to Kautilya,

Nor did Aniruddha Brahmaraya usurp power from Sundara Chola who was the father of Rajaraja Chola.

They were class mates and close friends.

Aniruddha was the Prime Minister of Sundara Chola.

Sundara Chola was quite ill in Thanjavur , his eldest son Aditha Karikala was in Kanchipuram his younger son Arulmozhi who later became Rajaraja, was in Lanka fighting enemies.

The smaller kingdoms under Cholas were in turmoil and were intent on breaking up Chola empire, by aligning with Pandy as.

IT was Aniruddha who was instrumental in getting Rajaraja coronoted. Aniruddha was not the only one who was instrumental in Rajaraja there were many including Sembian Madevi, Kundavai,:Aniruddha s contribution was exceptional.

Now let us see what Diodorous Siculus has to say on Brahmins in his work,Bibliotheca historica

‘The whole multitude of the Indians is divided into seven castes,14 the first of which is formed of the order of the philosophers, which in number is smaller than the rest of the castes, but in dignity ranks first. For being exempt from any service to the state the philosophers are neither the masters nor the servants of the others. 2 But they are called upon by the private citizens both to offer the sacrifices which are required in their lifetime and to perform the rites for the dead, as having proved themselves to be most dear to the gods and as being especially experienced in the matters that relate to the underworld, and for this service they receive both notable p21 gifts and honours. Moreover, they furnish great services to the whole body of the Indians, since they are invited at the beginning of the year to the Great Synod and foretell to the multitude droughts and rains, as well as the favourable blowing of winds, and epidemics, and whatever else can be of aid to their auditors. 3 For both the common folk and the king, by learning in advance what is going to take place, store up from time to time that of which there will be a shortage and prepare beforehand from time to time anything that will be needed. And the philosopher who has erred in his predictions is subjected to no other punishment than obloquy and keeps silence for the remainder of his life.‘

Reference and Citation

http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Diodorus_Siculus/2B*.html