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?
RE:'Periyar was against Brahminism, not Brahmins'
by Vidhyashankar Sathyamurthi on Apr 30, 2007 11:40 AM Permalink
i think you have got it right sumathi! Thanks for voicing out your opinion.
the distinction between brahmins and brahminism is vital. And, people who practise brahminism as lifestyle bring about a positive influence on their environment. It is only fair they are suitably rewarded for the same.
Anybody, who wants to emulate such a lifestyle of austerity,exercises a premium on being process driven, seeks knowledge for the sake of knowledge, believes in satvik food should be a follower of brahminism.
The superiority or inferiority among people is not based on the word 'caste' but should be on 'habits', 'thinking process' and ' applied human values'
As far as Periyar goes, i have never met him and will never meet him. His idealogies probably were an evolved response still relevant today. However, in the name of ' being against brahminism', today what we see is a new set of 'Brahmins'.
In retrospect, he has given brahmins a bad name. It is not his mistake, it is those people who manage politics who are responsible, who are keen to gain mass popularity through quick fix means. It is those people with no real agenda.
RE:'Periyar was against Brahminism, not Brahmins'
by mariappan on Apr 30, 2007 11:20 AM Permalink
My friend well said, but there are a few things i wish to add to it. Your concept of brahmins holds good only when they are not influences by christian/western culture. I know of brahmins who have come under this influence and committed sins that you have mentioned. It boils down to upbringing and to a lesser extent on the satvik food. As for others trying to emulate, Yes, we are plain jealous of brahmins and somewhere in the sub conscious mind would want to be like them. Unfortunately the professions we are in, the upbringing we have had doesnt make it easy to go on satvik diet and thus ends our dream to be like a brahmin. But the dream to become persists and when this dream doesnt get realised, it leads to frustration. And the easiest way to take out this frustration is on the object of your desire, that is brahmins.
RE:RE:\'Periyar was against Brahminism, not Brahmins\'
by sanjeev sharma on Apr 30, 2007 11:22 AM Permalink
Good words Sumathi... Appreciate your knowledge.
