In articles published so far in this series, we have seen how misleading have been the false stories of Aryan Invasion and subjugation of natives as slaves indulged in menial jobs. On contrary, we have seen the Vedas uphold highest dignity of labor. We have also seen that Daas/ Dasyu or Rakshas which are interpreted as natives or slaves of Aryans, are actually synonyms of criminals. Any civilized society has to keep these criminals in check.

We have also seen that Vedas consider all the four Varnas including Shudra as Arya and gives them utmost respect.

It is unfortunate that in this country of ours, where Vedas were the foundation of our culture, we forgot these original lessons of Vedas and got trapped in a variety of misconceptions regarding birth-based caste system and discrimination of people born in certain castes collectively known as Shudras.

The misleading theories of communists and biased indologists have already caused a great damage to our society and have sown seeds of differences. It is unfortunate that so-called Dalits consider themselves outcaste and hence we fail to unite together for prosperity and security. The only solution is to go back to the roots – the Vedas – and rebuild our understanding of our relationships with each other.

In this article, we shall evaluate the reality of caste system in Vedas and actual meaning of Shudra.

1.

As discussed in the first article “Vedas  and Shudra”, there is absolutely no element of hatred or discrimination in Vedas regarding any person – be he or she a Brahmin, Vaishya, Kshatriya or Shudra.

2.

The concept of caste is relatively new. Vedas contain no word that can be considered a synonym for ‘caste’. The two words commonly considered to mean ‘caste’ are Jaati and Varna. However the truth is that, all the three mean completely different things.

Caste is a European innovation having no semblance in Vedic culture.

Jaati
Jaati means a classification based on source of origin. Nyaya Sutra states “Samaanaprasavaatmika Jaatih” or those having similar birth source form a Jaati.

An initial broad classification made by Rishis is 4-fold: Udbhija (coming out of ground like plants), Andaja (coming out of eggs like birds and reptiles), Pindaja (mammals) and Ushmaj (reproducing due to temperature and ambient conditions like virus, bacteria etc).

Similarly, various animals like elephant, lion, rabbits etc form different ‘Jaati’. In same manner, entire humanity forms one ‘Jaati’. A particular Jaati will have similar physical characteristics, cannot change from one Jaati to another and cannot cross-breed. Thus Jaati is creation of Ishwar or God.

Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra are no way different Jaati because there is no difference in source of birth or even physical characteristics to differentiate between them.

Later, word ‘Jaati’ started being used to imply any kind of classification. Thus in common usage, we call even different communities as different ‘Jaati’. However that is merely convenience of usage. In reality, all humans form one single Jaati.

Varna
The actual word used for Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra is ‘Varna’ and not Jaati.

The word ‘Varna’ is used not only for these four, but also for Dasyu and Arya.

‘Varna’ means one that is adopted by choice. Thus, while Jaati is provided by God, ‘Varna’ is our own choice.

Those who choose to be Arya are called ‘Arya Varna’. Those who choose to be Dasyu become ‘Dasyu Varna’. Same for Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra.

That is why Vedic Dharma is called ‘Varnashram Dharma’. The word Varna itself implies that this is based on complete freedom of choice and meritocracy.

3.

Those involved in intellectual activities have chosen ‘Brahmin Varna’. Those into defense and warfare are ‘Kshatriya Varna’. Those in economics and animal rearing are ‘Vaishya Varna’ and those involved in other support functions are “Shudra Varna”. They refer merely to various choices of professions and have nothing to do with any Jaati or birth.

4.

Often mantras of Purush Sukta are cited to prove that Brahmins originated from Mouth, Kshatriya from hands, Vaishya from thighs and Shudras from legs of God. Thus these varnas are birth-based. However nothing could be more deceptive. Let us see why:

a. Vedas describe God to be shapeless and unchangeable. How can such a God take shape of a gigantic person if He is shapeless. Refer Yajurved 40.8.

b. If indeed this were true, this would defy the theory of Karma of Vedas. Because as per Theory of Karma, one’s family of birth can change as per his or her deeds. So one born in Shudra family can take birth as king’s son in next birth. But if Shudras are born from feet of God, how can same Shudra again take birth from hands of God?

c. Soul is timeless and never born. So soul can have no Varna. It is only when it takes birth as human that it has a chance to opt a Varna. Then what is meant by a Varna coming from one part of God’s body? If Soul did not take birth from God’s body, then does it mean body of soul is prepared from God’s body parts? But as per Vedas, even nature is eternal. And same atoms recycle among various humans. So it is technically impossible for any one taking birth from God’s body, even if we assume God to be having a body.

d. The said Purush Sukta is in 31st Chapter of Yajurved, apart from Rigved and Atharvaved with some variations. In Yajurved it is 31.11. To see what it actually means, let us look at the previous mantra 31.10.
It asks a question – Who is mouth? Who is hand? Who is thigh and who is leg?

The next mantra gives the answer – Brahmin is mouth. Kshatriya is hand. Vaishya is thigh and Shudra becomes the legs.

Note that the mantra does not say that Brahmin “takes birth” from mouth…It says Brahmin “is” mouth. Because if the mantra would mean “takes birth” it would not answer the question in previous mantra “Who is mouth?”

For example, if I ask “Who is Dashrath?”, an answer like “Rama is born from Dashrath” would be meaningless!

The actual meaning is:
In society, Brahmins or intellectuals form the brain or head or mouth that think and speak. Kshatriya or defense personnel form the hands that protect. Vaishya or producers and businessmen form the thigh that support and nurture (note that thigh bone or femur produces blood and is strongest bone). In Atharvaveda, instead of Uru or Thigh, the word “Madhya” is used meaning that it denotes also the stomach and central part of body.

Shudra or Labor force form the legs that lay the foundation and make the body run.

The next mantras talk of other parts of this body like mind, eyes etc. The Purush Sukta describes the origin and continuation of creation including human society and states ingredients of a meaningful society.

Thus, its a pity that such a beautiful allegorical description of society and creation is distorted to mean something that is completely contrary to Vedic ethos.

Even the Brahman texts, Manusmriti, Mahabharat, Ramayan and Bhagvat  do not state anything even close to crazy hypothesis of God creating Brahmins by tearing of flesh from his mouth, Kshatriya from flesh of hands and so on.

5.

It is thus obvious why Brahmins are accorded high respect in Vedas. This is same as what happens even in modern society. Scholars and experts get our respect because they form the direction-providers for entire humanity. However, as we have discussed in previous articles, dignity of labor is equally emphasized in Vedas and hence there is no element of discrimination.

6.

In Vedic culture, everyone is considered to be born as Shudra. Then based on his or her education, one becomes a Brahmin, Kshatriya or Vaishya. This completion of education is considered to be a second birth. Hence these three Varnas are called “Dwija” or twice-born. But those who remain uneducated for whatever reasons are not discarded from society. They continue as Shudra and perform support-activities for the society.

7.

A son of Brahmin, if he fails to complete his education, becomes a Shudra. Similarly, son of a Shudra or even a Dasyu, if he completes his education can become a Brahmin, Kshatriya or Vaishya. This is pure meritocracy. The way degrees are accorded today, Yajnopaveet was provided in Vedic system. Further, non-compliance with the code of conduct for each Varna could result in taking away of the Yajnopaveet.

8.

Many examples exist of change of Varnas in Vedic history.

a. Aitareya Rishi was son of a Daasa or criminal but became a Brahmin of highest order and wrote Aitareya Brahman and Aitareyopanishad. Aitareya Brahman is considered critical to understand Rigveda.

b. Ailush Rishi was son of a Daasi, gambler and of low character. However he researched on Rigveda and made several discoveries. Not only was he invited by Rishis but also made an Acharya. (Aitareya Brahman 2.19)

c. Satyakaam Jaabaal was son of a prostitute but became a Brahmin.

d. Prishadh was son of King Daksha but became a Shudra. Further he did Tapasya to achieve salvation after repenting.
(Vishnu Puran 4.1.14)
Had Tapasya been banned for Shudra as per the fake story from Uttar Ramayan, how could Prishadh do so?

e. Nabhag, soon of King Nedishtha became Vaishya. Many of his sons again became Kshatriya. (Vishnu Puran 4.1.13)

f. Dhrist was son of Nabhag (Vaishya) but became Brahmin and his son became Kshatriya (VP 4.2.2)

g. Further in his generation, some became Brahmin again (VP 9.2.23)

h. As per Bhagvat, Agniveshya became Brahmin though born to a king.

i. Rathotar born in Kshatriya family became a Brahmin as per Vishnu Puran and Bhagvat.

j. Haarit became Brahmin though born to Kshatriya (VP 4.3.5)

k. Shaunak became Brahmin though born in Kshatriya family. (VP 4.8.1). In fact, as per Vayu Puran, Vishnu Puran and Harivansh Puran, sons of Shaunak Rishi belonged to all four Varnas.

Similar examples exist of Gritsamad, Veethavya and Vritsamati.

l. Matanga was son of Chandal but became a Brahmin.

m. Raavan was born from Pulatsya Rishi but became a Rakshas.

n. Pravriddha was son of Raghu King but became a Rakshas.

o. Trishanku was a king but became a Chandal

p. Sons of Vishwamitra became Shudra. Vishwamitra himself was a Kshatriya who later became a Brahmin.

q. Vidur was son of a servant but became a Brahmin and minister of Hastinapur empire.

9.

The word “Shudra” has come in Vedas around 20 times. Nowhere has it been used in a derogatory manner. Nowhere it mentions that Shudras are untouchable, birth-based, disallowed from study of Vedas, lesser in status than other Varnas, disallowed in Yajnas.

10.

In Vedas, Shudra means a hard-working person. (Tapase Shudram – Yajurved 30.5). And that is why Purush Sukta calls them as foundation of entire human society.

11.

Since the four Varnas refer to 4 kinds of activities by choice, as per Vedas, the same person exhibits characteristics of the 4 varnas in different situations. Thus everyone belongs to all the 4 varnas. However, for simplicity sake, we refer to the predominant profession to be the representative Varna.

And hence, all humans should strive to be all the 4 Varnas to best of their capabilities, as per Vedic wisdom. This is the essence of Purush Sukta.

The Rishis like Vasisth, Vishwamitra, Angira, Gautam, Vaamdeva and Kanva exhibited traits of all the four Varnas. They discovered meanings of Vedic mantras, destroyed Dasyus, did manual labor and indulged in wealth management for social welfare.
We should also emulate the same.

In summary, we see that the Vedic society considers all humans to be one single Jaati or race, upholds the dignity of labor and provides equal opportunity for all humans to adopt the Varna of their choice.

There is no element of birth-based discrimination of any manner in the Vedas.

May we all unite together as one integrated family, reject the last element of birth-based discrimination of any manner and embrace each other as brothers and sisters.

May we also thwart the designs of those who want to mislead us by making baseless claims of casteism in Vedas and destroy the criminals aka Dasyu/Daas/Rakshas.

May we all come under the shelter of Vedas and work together to strengthen the humanity as one single family.

There is no caste-system in Vedas.

This article is also available in Hindi at http://agniveer.com/4034/caste-vedas-hi/

This post is also available in Hindi at http://agniveer.com/5869/dignity-of-labor-hi/

In previous articles, we have discussed the actual meanings of Daas, Dasyu and Rakshash and have concluded that they refer to no tribe or race, but to criminals and hence Vedas call for their destruction. This debunks the myth spread by communists and indologists with vested interests on Aryan Invasion Hoax and stories of how Aryans killed natives called Dasyu or Daas and later made them their servants or Shudras. We have already seen that while Vedas are critical of Dasyus, they hold Shudras in high esteem and call for their well-being.

Before we explore the Vedic Varna Vyavastha in detail, let us discuss what Vedas say on Dignity of Labor.

Nowadays several categories of jobs are considered suitable for low-caste. These include bulk of effort-oriented tasks. However nothing could be far from Vedas. In Vedas, dignity of labor is the key underlying concept. Let us review some mantras in Vedas in this regard:

Farming:

Rigveda 1.117.21
The King and minister should sow seeds and do farming from time to time to set right examples for Arya. This makes them deserving of praise.

Rigveda 8.22.6 echoes the same sentiment.

Rigveda 4.57.4 states that the king should hold the plough and start the farming during beginning of season. He should also ensure healthy cows for milk.

Accordingly, we also find in Ramayan the reference of King Janak ploughing when he found Sita (Ramayan 1.66.14)

Rigveda 10.104.4 and 10.101.3 states that scholars should plough land.

In Adiparva 3.24 there is reference of Dhaumya Rishi would sent his student Aaruni to control the water flow to farms, indicating that the Rishi used to get involved in farming activities.

The entire 4.57 Sukta of Rigveda states the glory of farming by one and all.

Tailor and Weaver:

Rigveda 10.26 states that Rishi do Yajna, are benevolent for all, experts in transportation science, rear sheep for wool, make clothes out of wool and clean the clothes.
Yajurved 19.80 again states that wise people weave various kinds of clothes.

Rigveda 10.53.6 also stresses on importance of weaving.

Rigveda 6.9.2 and 3 stress on having training centers for weaving clothes which should be learned by everyone.

Artisans and technicians:

‘Taksha’ word is used in Vedas for artisans, technicians, carpenters and related skilled labors.

Rigveda 4.36.1 stresses on glory of those who construct chariots and planes. The next mantra states that such carpenters and technicians should be invited to noble Yajna.

Further in same sukta, Mantra 6 considers Taksha worthy of eulogy and in next one, skilled labor is called as scholar, creative and patient.

Other mantras that sing glory of skilled labor are Rigveda 10.39.14, 10.53.10, 10.53.8, Atharvaved 14.1.53, Rigveda 1.20.2, Atharvaveda 14.2.22, 14.2.23, 14.2.24, 14.2.67, 15.2.65, Rigveda 2.41.5, 7.3.7, 7.15.14.

The skills mentioned include making vehicles, clothes, utensils, forts, weapons, toys, pots, wells, buildings and cities among others.

Some mantras in Rigveda like 1.116.3-5 and 7.88.3 encourage Arya to make ships and travel far away to explore the world. Those involved in constructing boats and ships are praised.

Some other mantras praising various kinds of professions include:

Commerce – Rigveda 5.45.6, 1.112.11

Boatman – Rigveda 10.53.8, Yajurved 21.3, Yajurved 21.7, Atharvaved 5.4.4, 3.6.7

Barber – Atharvaved 8.2.19

Goldsmith and Gardener – Rigveda 8.47.15

Ironsmith and Smelter – Rigveda 5.9.5

Metallurgy – Yajurved 28.13

Thus it is evident that not only Vedas contain description of various kinds of skills and technology, but also glorify the dignity of labor.

It is a baseless allegation that Vedas demean those involved in labor-oriented tasks.

On contrary, Vedas affirm highest Dignity of Labor. In next article, we shall discuss about Vedas and Caste System.

Another myth being percolated is that Aryans used to call the natives Rakshas and killed them. Thus Rakshas is considered a synonym of Dasyu or Daas who suffered from Aryan loot. While it is not far from truth that Rakshas is quite close to Dasyu or Daas in meaning, nothing more could be more fanciful than considering Rakshas also to be a race or tribe. We have already debunked the myth of Daas or Dasyu being any race and have proved that Daas or Dasyu mean criminals with destructive tendencies. In this post, let us evaluate the meaning of Rakshas and see why Vedas call for killing of Rakshas even if she is a woman.

Rigveda 7.104.24

O warrior! You should destroy both the male Rakshas and female Rakshas who kills by deceit . May such Rakshas not see the light of dawn.

They are termed as Yatudhaan (those who attack human dwellings) and Kravyaad (those who eat raw flesh).

Rigveda 7.104.17

A female Rakshasi who like an owl ventures out to kill in night should be destroyed along with other Rakshas.

Rigveda 7.104.18

O Powerful Ones! You should stand up to protect the masses and capture the Rakshas who intend to kill and destroy peace in night.

Rigveda 7.104.21

The king should destroy those Rakshas who kill others and destroy peaceful activities.

Rigveda 7.104.22

Destroy the Rakshas who attack like an owl, hound, wolf , eagle or vulture.

It is clear that Rakshas refers to the most notorious terrorists and criminals who are danger to peaceful society. There should be no consideration of gender to destroy such people.

To make it more clear, refer the following mantras:

Rigveda 7.104.15

May I be killed today itself, if I become a Yatudhaan (one who attacks human dwellings) or reduce the life of any human. But if I am not so, those who falsely implicate me as being a Yaatudhaan be destroyed.

Rigveda 7.104.16

Those who call me Yaatudhan or Rakshas even though I am not, and those who claim to be innocent even though they are with Rakshas may both be destroyed. Thus even the silent supporters of Rakshas or terrorists should be destroyed.

And for such terrorists, there should be no mercy on any pretext.

Very clearly, Vedas do not specify any race or tribe, and instead call for destruction of terrorizing forces and their supporters. May these prayers of Vedas become reality and all the Rakshas of the world like Osama Bin Laden and their supporters be destroyed completely.

This article is also available in Hindi at http://agniveer.com/5514/vedas-and-rakshas-hi/

Let us explore some Vedic mantras containing ‘Daas’ in various forms and see what it actually means.

‘Daas’ as verb

Rigveda 7.1.21
May our noble warriors not become Daas or be destroyed.

Rigveda 6.5.4
One who troubles us by hiding, may he be destroyed (Abhidaasat). Here Daas appears as a verb meaning ‘to be destroyed’

Rigveda 7.104.7
May he never be benefited who wants to destroy us (Abhidaasati) with hatred.

Rigveda 10.97.23
May our enemy be destroyed who wants to destroy us (Abhidaasati).

In all these mantras, ‘Daas’ refers to destruction.

‘Das’ Dhatu or root

Many mantras use another form of Daas with root word ‘Das’

Rigveda 10.117.2
The wealth of a charitable person never gets destroyed (upadasyati)

Rigveda 5.54.7
Never does the wealth and prosperity of a person gets destroyed (upadasyanti) who is inspired by the Supreme God.

In these mantras, again ‘Daas’ refers to destruction.

It is hence clear that ‘Daas’ means something to do with destruction and hence does not mean any caste or race.

Usage of Daas word

Now let us review some mantras that contain ‘Daas’ word directly.

Rigveda 2.12.4
The Daas person or destructive person should be pulled down.

Rigveda 5.34.6
Arya should control the Daas or destructive persons.

Rigveda 6.26.5
Those Daas who destroy peace should be destroyed. Here adjective “Shambar” is used for Daas which means adversary of ‘Sham’ or peace.

Rigveda 7.19.2
Control the Daas, Shushnam (looters) and Kuyavam (terrorists) completely.

Rigveda 10.49.6
The sin-incarnate Daas be destroyed.

Rigveda 10.19.7
The Daas who is fit for being killed should be destroyed

Similarly Rigveda 4.30.15, 4.30.21 and 3.12.6 call for destruction of Daas.

It is thus clear, that Daas here refers to persons with destructive tendencies who deserve to be destroyed in any civilized society. Thus the likes of Osama Bin Laden and Kasab are Daas.

There is no reference to Shudra being a Daas in entire Vedas.

Its a matter of pity that we forgot the original message of Vedas over the course of history and literally swapped the meaning of Shudra and Daas. Thus, today, Shudra is perceived as an objectionable word while Daas denotes humility.

Nothing could be far from Vedas.

This may have happened because in the manner Europeans used to send convicts to Australia who then became a nation in itself, in similar way, when criminals were captured, they were put into various tasks. Over course of history, these Daas or their future generations continued to be called as Daas which started being understood as ’servant’.

This is also similar to the way ‘Arya’ started calling themselves ‘Hindu’ which has no reference in any authentic scripture.

In reality, Daas is synonym of Dasyu or criminal.

And Shudra is a profession category of Arya or those people who are indulged in benevolent acts. There are 36 mantras in Rigveda having ‘Arya’ word in various forms and all refer to noble righteous people.

So all good citizens of the world including Shudras are Arya!

This article is also available in Hindi at http://agniveer.com/5528/vedas-and-dasyu-hi/

A predominant theme that pervades the Macaulay brand of education is about Vedas being primarily a description of struggle between Arya and Dasyu. This theory, which is a favorite of semi-literate western indologists and their communist tails weaves a creative story – that Aryans were nomadic tribes with barbaric instincts. They came to India from Central Asia and spread loot and rape all around. The natives of India were called Dasyu or Daas. After winning over them, they established their Aryan supremacy based on birth-based discrimination.

And today, most consider Hinduism or Sanatan Dharma or Vedic Dharma to be primarily characterized by this birth-based discrimination having its origin in massacre of the Dasyu or Daas. Its a pity that this theory has led to alienation of a large number of our brothers and sisters who consider themselves Anarya (non-Arya) and bear a grudge against those who follow Vedas. These include those who call themselves Dalit or Dravid these days.

A lot has already been explored by scholars to debunk the stupid Aryan Invasion Theory which has no evidence whatsoever. Even someone like Dr Ambedkar was extremely critical of this theory as well as myth of subjugation of Dasyu.

However the purpose of this article is to explore what Vedas exactly say about Arya and Dasyu. After all Vedas are supposed to be the primary evidence to support this theory of Aryan subjugation of Dasyu or Daas.

So let us review some of the allegations.

Allegation:
Vedas describe Arya and Dasyu at several places. Many mantras pray for destruction of Dasyu and looting of their wealth. Several mantras state that even women should not be spared if they are Dasyu. Hence one can conclude that Vedas describe the brutal Aryan invasion of Dasyu people.

Explanation:

In total, there are 85 mantras referring to Dasyu in Rigveda. Several refer to Daas as well, which is a synonym. Let us review some of the mantras evaluate what they mean.

Rigveda 1.33.4

O, All Powerful Warrior! You possess a variety of powers and roam alone. Do use your powerful weapon to destroy wealthy Dasyu (criminals) and Sanakah (those who steal from others). May they reach their deaths through your weapon. These Sanakah are devoid of noble acts.

The adjective used for Dasyus are “Ayajva” meaning those who do not perform noble acts or noble resolutions. Obviously such people would be criminals. Thus the king is advised to destroy such criminals to safeguard his people.

Sayana defines Dasyu as thief. Dasyu origins from root ‘Dasa’ which means “Upakshaya” or that which leads to destruction. Hence Dasyu refers to those people who are destructive or criminals. It does not refer to any caste or race.

Rigveda 1.33.5

Those Dasyu (criminals) who are themselves devoid of noble resolutions and clash with noble people, flee away due to your protection. O brave warrior, you have destroyed the Avrata (unscrupulous) from everywhere.

In this mantra, two adjectives are used for Dasyu – Ayajva (those who do not perform noble acts and noble resolutions) and Avrata (indisciplined and unscrupulous).

Very clearly, Dasyu refers to criminals and they are accorded the same treatment in Vedas as they deserve in any civilized society.

Rigveda 1.33.7

O brave warrior! Destroy and drive away these Dasyu, whether they laugh or cry, from the world and protect those having noble resolutions and those who pray.

Rigveda 1.51.5

O brave warrior! Make those cunning people tremble with fear through your cleverness who consume everything only for themselves. O protector of people, destroy the habitations of those Dasyu who spread violence and protect those who are simple and truthful.

In this mantra, Dasyu refers to those who only consume for themselves and are devoid of noble deeds like charity and helping others.

In Kaushitaki Brahman, such people are referred as Asur. Thus Asur and Dasyu, both refer to criminals and not to any caste or race.

Rigveda 1.51.6

O brave warrior! You have been killing those who exploit others and protect those who are saints. To protect those who help others, you trample the most powerful wicked people. You have always been born to destroy the Dasyu (criminals).

The adjective used for Dasyu is Shushna which means those who do “Shoshan” or exploit others.

Rigveda 1.51.7

O God! You know very well the Arya and the Dasyu. Destroy the Avrata (unscrupulous) Dasyu for sake for those who perform noble deeds. I want to follow all the noble actions. Kindly inspire me.

Rigveda 1.5.9

O powerful warrior! For sake of disciplined people possessing noble resolutions and performing noble actions, you destroy the Avrata (unscrupulous). For sake of those having polite speech, you keep the rude and indisciplined people under control.

Rigveda 1.117.21

O Powerful warriors! You support the noble people and destroy the Dasyu. In this mantra, word “Arya” is used to denote humans involved in constructive activities.

Rigveda 1.130.8

O Powerful warrior! You indulge in three types of wars – ordinary, competitive and prosperity-enhancer. You protect the Yajaman Arya (noble people indulged in benevolent acts) and destroy the Avrata (unscrupulous) people with darkness in heart who are indulged in violence or plan to indulge in violent activities.

Here “Krishnatvak” is used which is misleading interpreted to mean people with dark skin. However it means dark exterior in esoteric sense and to remove any doubts, the words “Tatrisham” and “Asharsaanam” are used. They mean “desiring to kill” or “ involved in killing”. In contrast, “Arya” is used for benevolent people.

No doubt should remain that Arya means noble person and has nothing to do with any race.

Rigveda 3.34.9

This mantra also implies that Arya should be protected and Dasyu be destroyed. “Varna’ is used for Arya. Varna means “worthy of being accepted”. Thus “Arya Varna” means one who is worthy of being accepted as Arya.

Rigveda 4.26.2

I provide land to Arya, rains to charitable people and other resources to people as well.

Very clearly Arya is an adjective here in line with Charitable.

Similarly, one can go through the following mantras

Rigveda 4.30.18
Rigveda 5.34.6
Rigveda 6.18.3
Rigveda 6.22.10
Rigveda 6.25.2
Rigveda 6.33.3
Rigveda 6.60.6
Rigveda 7.5.7
Rigveda 7.18.7
Rigveda 8.24.27
Rigveda 8.103.1
Rigveda 10.38.3
Rigveda 10.43.4
Rigveda 10.40.3
Rigveda 10.69.6

All these mantra clearly elaborate that Arya is an adjective for noble benevolent peaceful people, and Dasyu/ Daas denotes unscrupulous people with criminal tendencies. This is amply evident from the adjectives used along with Arya and Dasyu/ Daas in these mantras.

In fact Rigveda 6.22.10 states that ‘Daas should be made ‘Arya’. How could it be possible if these were to denote races!

Rigveda 6.60.6 states that even those people should be destroyed who were Arya so far but now got into criminal activities. Same sentiment is repeated in Rigveda 10.69.6 and 10.83.1. Thus, even Arya is not a permanent adjective. One has to continue earning it, or else he or she deserves the same punishments as accorded to those who are historically or habitually Dasyus.

Atharvaveda 5.11.3

This mantra states that no one can overrule the laws created by Supreme, be it a Daas or an Arya.

Doubt:
Skeptics attempt to distort the meaning of this mantra by claiming that the mention of Daas and Arya implies two different races. Because if Daas were to mean criminals, why is God allowing them to do crimes when this mantra states that no one can overrule His laws.

Explanation:
By laws of God, one does not imply restrictions on free-will. Soul has free-will in human incarnation and can very well choose to indulge in crime or noble deeds. This freedom is also law do God. However, one cannot escape the consequences of his or her deeds, and this is what is emphasized in this mantra.

The next two mantras of same Sukta – Atharvaveda 5.11.4 and 5.11.6 clarify that further. They state that even the rogues are scared of unchangeable laws of God. But they continue to disturb humans because they are not scared of humans. Hence the devotee prays to God that may these rogue criminals be subdued and scholars be promoted.

It is also to be noted that Daas or Dasyu are not the only words used to denote the rogue. Many mantras mention the word “Brahmadvish” which means one who hates penance, knowledge and noble deeds.

For example, Rigveda 3.30.17 and 7.104.2 pray that Brahmadvish, cannibals, dangerous and corrupt people should be always fought against to keep them under control. Now just as cannibal, dangerous and corrupt people do not form a race, similarly Daas, Dasyu and Brahmadvish do not form any race. They only denote criminal nature of certain people.

Rigveda 7.83.7 makes it more clear by stating that even 10 kings who are indulged in criminal tendencies cannot defeat a single righteous king because the prayers of noble people become true and many powerful people and resources partner with missions of such noble people. Again the word used for criminals is “Ayajva” which is used with Dasyu also in some of the mantras discussed before.

Its a matter of pity that many semi-literate biased western indologists try to prove a story of war between ten kings in this mantra!

I would conclude with another excellent mantra from Rigveda which summarizes the whole concept of fight between Arya and Dasyu/Daas/ Avrata/ Ayajva. Rigveda 7.104.12 proclaims that:
“The wise should know that Truth (Sat) and Falsehood (Asat) compete with each other. Truth attempts to destroy Falsehood and vice versa. However, only the Truth (Sat) and Fundamental Truth (Rit) are protected by the Supreme.”

May we all destroy the False ego and become crusaders of Sat and Rit!

In next post, we shall discuss the word Daas and see how it has nothing to do with Shudra and is merely a synonym of Dasyu.

This article is also available in Hindi at http://agniveer.com/5528/vedas-and-dasyu-hi/