Periyar is entitled to his views . If Brahmins dominated the bureaucracy, it is because they were used only for manning bureaucracy. They were not entertained in business / commerce. It was the Mauryan king who entrused Brahmins with the task of pursuing knowledge for the benefit of society. To ensure that they single-mindedly focused on knowledge and its pursuit, he set aside a part of the kingdom and constructed dwelling units for the Brahmins there. Such parts were called "Agraharams". To provide them livelihood, the king arranged essential items to be delivered at their doors, free of cost. At best the Brahmins led a hand-to-mouth existence and they never complained against it. They were not exposed to any other calling / trade . Their requirements have always been austere. Thus, one can also say that Brahmins were kept aloof from other trade/calling/profession by the king for selfish reasons. All said and done, even today one can confidently state that the bureaucracy of yesteryears was way ahead of the present-day bureaucracy in terms of efficiency and honesty. Why this difference? The Brahmins dominated the bureaucracy in the good old days. These days Brahmins do not need bureaucratic openings - there are others who value and respect the Brahmins for their hard work , sincerity and brains. A Brahmin may at best knock off a stapler or a pen from the office but will never seek reversal of roles, i.e., the Brahmin employee will never aspire to usurp his employer's wealth by fair means or foul unlike most other communities; nor is the Brahmin violence-prone, thanks to his "satvik" food and disciplined upbringing. The Brahmin is often envied which manifests itself in a hate compaign against him. Why top business houses like Reliance Industries even today hire only Brahmins for their finance jobs, tell me? Surely it is not for reasons of nepotism? How many Brahmins you find in jails? Not much if you consider the percentage. If Brahmins are a despicable lot, why others imitate the Brahmins and would like to be seen as their equals?
