The Structure of Ancient Indian Society - The Library of the Uncommons

259 pages

English language

Published Dec. 31, 2004 by Toyo Bunko.

ISBN:: 978-4-8097-0197-9
OCLC Number:: 506676747

The purpose of the present volume of research is to examine the question of the ideals and practical implementation of the varna system, in order to clarify in concrete terms the structure and characteristic features of ancient Indian society. Such a study should then provide us with helpful hints about in what ways the various elements of that society developed and changed throughout the rest of Indian history. The source materials used in this study can be divided into three different genres: 1) the works of Hindu law (the Dharmasutras and Dharmashastras), 2) Pali language Buddhist works (mainly the Jatakas), and 3) Kautilya’s Arthashastra.

1 edition

Tejas Harad reviewed The Structure of Ancient Indian Society by Gen'ichi Yamazaki (Toyo Bunko research library -- 6)

Review of 'The structure of ancient Indian society' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

This is a great book if you want a textual understanding of ancient Varna system. The book looks at three primary sources, that is, Brahmanic Dharmashastras, Buddhist Pali canon and Arthashastra. So it can be said that the book is comprehensive in its treatment of available literary sources for the time period under study.

The author has structured the book really well, giving separate and fuller treatment to each varna, including the Chandalas, who are considered to be outside the varna system. I especially liked the fact that the author has thoroughly engaged with the Buddhist sources because they tend to be excluded from the discussion around the varna system.

This book will dispel all your myths around the varna system such as if the varna was based on birth or not (spoiler: yes, it was). It will also help you come at a better understanding of how the caste …

This is a great book if you want a textual understanding of ancient Varna system. The book looks at three primary sources, that is, Brahmanic Dharmashastras, Buddhist Pali canon and Arthashastra. So it can be said that the book is comprehensive in its treatment of available literary sources for the time period under study.

The author has structured the book really well, giving separate and fuller treatment to each varna, including the Chandalas, who are considered to be outside the varna system. I especially liked the fact that the author has thoroughly engaged with the Buddhist sources because they tend to be excluded from the discussion around the varna system.

This book will dispel all your myths around the varna system such as if the varna was based on birth or not (spoiler: yes, it was). It will also help you come at a better understanding of how the caste system would have developed in the ancient times. This is a must-read book for people interested in the issue of caste.

Subjects

Civilization

Places

India