By Ranbir Singh
Kancha Ilaiah is professor and head of the department of political science at Osmania University , Hyderabad . He is perhaps best known for writing Why I am not a Hindu in 2007. Anyone approaching this work with the prior knowledge of Bertrand Russell (Why I am not a Christian) and Ibn Warraq (Why I am not a Muslim) would certainly have their expectations dashed. In a truly appalling collection of half-truths, lack of methodical research and racial myths, Ilaiah’s book has the dubious distinction of making Hitler’s Mein Kampf look like a literary masterpiece in comparison. Ilaiah shares much else with Hitler, notably his obsession with race and inventing racial categories where they do not even exist. To say in his defence that Ilaiah is inspired by the oppression of Dalits in India would be equivalent to justifying National Socialism and the Third Reich on the basis that the Versailles Treaty was after all rather unfair to Germany .
In page after page this appalling writer spews venom against anything Hindu. If one needs to find a prime example of a dysfunctional illiterate elite who replaced white colonial masters in a Third World kleptocracy, Kancha Ilaiah would certainly be hard to beat. For him Hinduism is basically spiritual fascism. Yet Ilaiah is hardly averse in being ideologically associated with the “f” word himself. His attack on the “Baniya economy” bares unhealthy semblance to the Nazi obsession with Jewish banking houses such as Rothschild holding the German volk to ransom. In discussing Hindu deities Ilaiah echoes the music of Richard Wagner in his addiction to the idea of an Aryan race, even if it as the comic book strip bad guys in his rewriting of Indian history to fit into a racist mould. All Hindu gods have suppression of Dalits as their purpose. Brahma is a light-brown Aryan, Vishnu is blue because apparently this was the colour of the mixed race Kshatriyas, while Shiva is dark because he resembles a “tribal” in order to delude the indigenous pre-Aryan inhabitants of India . The Ramayana is some primeval race war in which the Aryans suppressed the Dravidian south. In a twist to classic anti-Semitic motifs Brahmins control all India ’s political parties, including the Communists. Replace “Brahmin” with “Jew” and Ilaiah could be rendering a speech written by Sir Oswald Mosley in the 1930s. Most incredibly, yet like so many of his remarks which lack any solid basis, cremation was a Brahminist plot to hide the mass genocide of India’s indigenous Shudras.
The contrast between Hinduism on the one hand and Christianity, Islam and Buddhism on the other is explained by the former having “an inborn spiritual fascist” character while the other three possess “basic character of spiritual democracy”. By this stage we should be alleviated of any doubts that Ilaiah has not rewritten world history in manner befitting Himmler’s SS research institute known as Das Ahnenerbe which traversed the corners of the earth to find the origins of the Aryan race. In the end the Nazi ‘scholars’ came back with recordings of Finnish folk music and plaster casts of Tibetan faces which serious academia even then laughed off.
In summary Why I am Not a Hindu is a wasted opportunity at dissecting the world’s oldest surviving culture. In a free society we should not take offence at our beliefs being criticised. That is the hallmark of a healthy vibrant democracy. Censorship and banning is the character of totalitarianism. Yet academic standards must not be allowed to drop in allowing hate ideologies to stifle the very liberal ideas which allow for democracy in the first place.
Read the rest and full article at the original source: http://www.hinduhumanrights.info/review-of-kancha-ilaiahs-why-i-am-not-a-hindu/
indian says
Dear Ranbir – I know a long time back that Kancha Ilaiha is a fraud of first order and a third rate intelluctual. I really wonder how can some one give him a professor job at a university. If he indeed has that job as he claims …it must be a fourth rate university. I read some of his articles and most of them will fall apart with a 1st grade student arguments. I left a feed back about the same a while back on one of his articles. My question to Kancha Ilaih: “Will you fight with your university board on behalf of your college attendant that he too must get the same benefits (while working in college) as to what you are getting as a professor?” If Kancha can’t fight for him, then there’s no use he fighting for dalits because Kancha didn’t understand my question and I don’t expect a corrupted mind to understand my question too.
vasu says
he is a fraud first order and a ass licker whose love for publicity and american endorsements far exceed his capacity to write anything intelligent. while it is true that he has some reason to grieve for the caste system his old ideas and venom cannot be used to tarnish the progressive minds of the modern day dalits many of who are writers, poets, professionals etc. continuing to sell dalithood to abrahamic religions is not going to solve the problems at the grass root. the goi is doing the best it can to root out the evil of casteism. the way he speaks is nazi language and he wants to see the end of india, including the dalits. his ways are suicidal and i am not too sure whether we are talking of a normal person here.
Julian says
Kancha Ilaiah is not even a “dalit” by the way but a member of the group known as Gollas (local name for Yadavs) in Andhra Pradesh. He is a total fraud.
kitty says
He is a third grade stupid and does nothing but critisise hinduism.
AdityaHridaya Sharma says
My dear Ranbir Singhji,
Thank you so much for your precise rebuttal of this total fraud whose latest article about ” social fascism” of the anti corruption movement in India is shocking in it’s crudeness as is his interview with the Church Today magazine. Well done, sir and thank you
With respectful pranams
Aditya
Sridhar says
He is a stupid. Only a Stupid
Rugved says
Good reply and analogies Ranbir garu:)
Why such pseudo intellectuals still rein as heads of some “reformation” is still funny to think about!
All the rakshasas are DALITS is the most hilarious theory ever! Ravan was a Yadu vanshi kshatriya-brahmin and Hiranyayaksh and JHiranyakashyapa are also Kshatriyas!
so ludicrous!
vivek ruparel says
How can Ramayan be a war between Aryans and Dravids?? Ravan was d son of a Brahmin, a sage. Grandson of Maharshi Pulatsya. This is so absurd. If Hindus were so intolerant and evil how did Jews and Parsis(Zarthost) survive and live in India under Hindu rule??
duart maclean says
Why I am not a follower of Kancha Ilaiah:
because Kancha Ilaiah is naught.
SANJAY RAMESH says
Basically Ilaiah is STUPID and that CAST PSYCHO is not having much knowledge on INDIAN CULTURE.
One more EDUCATIONAL FOOL is also present in out Andhra pradesh that is none other than Mr.KATTI PADMA RAO.
India is the only country that accepts all the religions are TRUE.
They say Sri Rama killed VALI having shown cast feeling.But I sincerely question them Why did Rama not kill SUGRIVA(Brother of VALI)?and also SRI RAMA was the best friend of SUGRIVA. WHY?
They say RAVANA is a low cast person.but do you know that
RAVANA is the son of BRAHMIN SAGE CALLED VISRAVASU BRAHMA.
Thus he is referred as RAVANA BRAHMA.
The funniest thing is ILAIAH and KATTI PADMA RAO say Vali and sugriva are dalits/Sudras……
Are you mad? Both??
How can you Give cast to VANARAS?
Basically Today in our society everybody is happy.You are the Demons in our society.
First of all YOU should be HANGED.
Stupids……. BASTARDS.
You always talk CAST CAST CAST CAST………………
Why? why? why?
Let us live in a brotherhood environment.
Let us establish SRI RAMA RAJYAM.
Do you know that there were no communal clashes/cast clashes in SRI RAMA RAJYAM.
VALMIKI said this thing.
SRI RAMA HAD FRIENDSHIP WITH
(1) GUHUDU(maker of boats-may be low cast)
(2)SUGRIVA ( VANARA-NOT HAVING ANY CAST )
…..etc many…………..
SRIRAMA/SRI KRISHNA KILLED WHERE EVER IS ADHARMA AND SAVED WHERE EVER IS DHARMA
Narakasura was a dalit according to them.
But the fact is HE WAS BORN TO SRI MAHA VISHNU and BHUDEVI.
Do you know this FACT?
But by virtue of his qualities/nature he became RAKSHASA,harassed people(INCLUDING 16000 GOPIKAS) very badly thus desperately Lord SRI KRISHNA killed his SON with the help of MAA SATYA BHAMA.
First read only VALMIKI RAMAYANA then understand your stupidity.
why do you discuss on the relationship between Lord SRI RAMA and Maa SITA.
Not only INDIA but the whole world knows that Sita is the only Wife of SRI RAMA.(AADARSHA DAMPATYAM).( Not like your families which have no relationships at all)
If somebody says “Ilaiah/KATTI married his sister/daughter(in order to control their sexual feelings)since the present wife is not actually their wife but indeed she was their own sister/daughter who was raped badly by him when she was alone at her home by that Psycho “,then If somebody starts discussing whether Ilaiah/KATTI married to a lady with whom he had no contacts when he was bachelor or he married his own sister/daughter?
then If TV9/TV5/TV1/Inews/Ntv/ETV2/StudioN/Hmtv channel is telecasting that discussion seriously
then HOW WILL YOU REACT?
Mr .Ilaiah Remenber one thing after 50 years Both of you will be no more on the earth.
Also remember GOD HAS NO CAST,COLOR,RELIGION.
He is the Purest form of LOVE.
Also keep in your mind that you will not be killed easily.
Your DEATH will be also very PANIC.
At that time you will come to know what Lord SRI RAMA / SRI KRISHNA can do?
BHAJA GOVINDAM BHAJA GOVINDAM
GOVINDAM BHAJA MOODHAMATHE…….
If you are questioning the SANATANA DHARMA means that indicatesYou are questioning your motherhood/mother land.
Have you ever asked your mother that she has only one husband/multiple husbands or Did you ever test that whether your father is actually your father or not?
I dont know about yourself.
Decide yourself….
I would like to tell what sanatana dharma says
SANATA DHARMA says………..
SARVEJANAH SUKHINO BHAVANTU(all humans irrespective of cast,creed, color,religion,gender,place SHOULD be happy)
LOKA SAMASTA SUKHINO BHAVANTU(Everything includes entire UNIVERSE/LOKAS MUST be HAPPY)
OME SHANTI OME SHANTI SHANTIHI………………………..(PEACE PEACE PEACE)…….
John says
Kancha is right!!! Before Aryan enter India there was no caste system.
ganesh says
snjay ramesh garu says its right we proud a hindhu &madhiga
duart maclean says
Kancha Ilaiah never did a serious study of the ESSENCE of Hinduism — it’s ontological aspect as distinct from it cultural aspect. The core teachings of Hinduism are stupendous, clear and brilliant. Anyone who denigrates Hinduism does so out of pure ignorance, which is a sin, i.e., to condemn that which one do not understand.
rogers says
KANCHE ILLAIH KEEPS ON POINTING AT THE CASTE SYSTEM, AREN’T THERE CASTE’S IN CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM….DID THEY FORGET MASSACRE OF JEWS??? BE IT MALA, MADIGA,KAMMA ,REDDY, HAPU,VYSA,BRAHMIN, THEY LOVE THEIR CASTE.THEY ARE PROUD OF BEING WHAT THEY ARE….
sanjeev says
everybody love their caste and people ilaiah garu hates only the system which is illtreated ancient races and tribes in indian society religiously controlled by brahmins and their sahityam yuganiki yuganiki dasavataralaki links pettina mahanubhavulu kathalu valliste chevilo cauliflower okte takkuva trimurtulu ani brahma vishnu mahesvrulaki linkulu after research every truth will open
Vivek says
Sanjeev- Thts the most absurd defence ever. Tell me something if we r so intolerant and evil why did Jews and Parsis gain refuge and peace here?? History says entire world ill-treated jews but not us. Id Islam was so tolerant why was Zoroastrian culture wiped out of Iran, Why our culture and heritage got wiped out from afghanistan & Pakistan. Y do Arabs and Turks ill treat Asian converts and act so superior.
Chandragupta Maurya was a Daasi-putra and Chanakya a Brahmin made him Samrat. Grow up dude ur Karma decides ur status. I m a Suryavanshi Kshatriya-Lohana but my community is now a business class bcz since centuries we r into trading. Yadavs were Kshatriyas during Mahabharat era now they r OBC caste bcz of their work.
sanjeev says
dignity of labour is more important to become a humanbeing we are citizens of hindu nation who declared as bharatadesam ?not only brahmins the rulers of aryans like to dominate take controle literally socially religiously on whole hindu nation hindu is not a caste it is our nationality thats why Dr K.ilaiah asked why i am not hindu ?do you know what exactly he is saying you can worship siva or ram or krishna are any else we have liberty geographically because of the atmospheric conditions black people are situated knowingly people did a mistake it should be set right if you dont do this nature and time will change this
duart maclean says
India has a profound, rational and ancient spirituality which will outlast all of the Christian converters, Hindu haters (Indian and non-Indian), poverty, pollution, caste discrimination, confusion, westernization, corruption and cheap materialism. All will be forgotten, but India’s rich spiritual heritage will prevail. Why? Because beauty and truth will withstand the test of time, whereas illusion must eventually be seen for what it is — unreal.
VSL says
Kancha Ilaiah owes his present position in Osmania University only due to “inborn fascist character” of Hinduism that allowed “inborn” reservation for him to enter and get promoted due to his ‘dalit’ card, while bypassing other merited and talented persons. Beating the very system that is feeding him is a very noble quality and Ilaiah amply displays it.
Vivek says
@Sanjeev- Stop talkin crap. Ur karma decides ur status. Our religion has proven it time and again. Valmiki Rishi k baare main bhi padh lena. Read abt Prajapati Daksh and Mahadev. Hindu religion is not the issue. But Leftist sickular mentality is the problem. Well Educated ppl dun care abt caste. Ur talent and capability and actions matter. Other wise y did Chandragupta Maurya a Daasi Putra become a Samrat under Chanakya- a Brahmin
sanjeev says
i dont believe that u said rebirth karma etc when we go to earlier history no caste system after aryavartan chaturvarna system established because they are intelligent there is lot of difference between hindu and aryans living food custtom etc portraited the person living in india as rakshasa because of their food habits &black colour we know quarrels between saivam and vaishnavam gradually mixed civilization prevailed open seats are for merit that is not ur reservation so many reserved category candidates are selected under OC see the educational growth no one can stop their talent capability after independence constitution gave now they proved dont hesitate and feel jealous about them in indian population nearly 80 % of the people belongs to BC SC ST kulala chichulu matala chichulu not good for hindu nation somany came to India settled black and white hybrids were born here present now who can say i am aryan or hindu. everywhere mixed races
ganeshkumar says
sir i am feeling proud but some hindhus like agrakulalu vallu madhiga and mala vallu ani thakuvaga matladuthunnaru but memu dheudu kalla nunchi vachhamu kadha memu kuda hindhu lamu kadha but otherreligions like m s m chr fell s theyer also agrakulalu in this country dheniki meru amani answer cheppu tharu ma friend okaru m athanu felling amitiante madhiga mala kanna memu great endhukante memu village centralo untamu memallanu gudiloniki kuda ranievvaruuu adhe memu vasthe binnathvam lo ekathvam antaru what this justice naku god sriramudu variki evaro
Vivek says
First of all Aryan-dravid divide is a farce. Science has proven its a myth. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-09-25/india/28107253_1_incidence-of-genetic-diseases-indians-tribes
plz dun talk absurd. Raavan was not a Dravid. His father was grandson of Brahma and his Grandfather Maharshi Pulatsya was son of Lord Brahma.
sanjeev says
@ganesh when we see ancient history of india there is no caste system they worship adishakti (durga)pasupati (siva) nandi gananayakulu and gramadevatalu are also there brahmmins called kshudra pujalu because jantubali drinking kallu and dancing etc lot of difference of culture and custom between aryan and hindu literally sudra means neechudu mala madiga means to paramaneecha superlative degree is there any good to feel proud?just u are satisfied i am higher than u. divide and rule policy is the best one to take controle of any nation aryans ruled over hundreds of years and settled here muslims also came and ruled and settled when britsh rule came to india they faced illtreatment then they built swadesi udyamam oh my god one good thing the britishers were not settled here At that time Dr Ambedkar constitution writer stand for the rights of real natives of india @vivek dont repeat stories made by brahmin literature ask who are the black skinned brahmins?black skinned rajulu?black skinned vysyas? intelligence ,power , money, beauty flock together came to understand think with logic and reason how can u put connection?
Vivek says
@Sanjeev- 1st of all science has proven tht skin color has nothing to do with race or caste. Aryan Dravidian divide is a myth. Gene study undertaken has proven it. Kindly google it b4 dismissing my stmts. Ur Kancha Illaiah lies blatantly abt Raavan being a Dravid when it is proven he was a Brahmin. Also Chandragupta Maurya was a Daasi Putra who was made emperor by a Brahmin by Chanakya. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-09-25/india/28107253_1_incidence-of-genetic-diseases-indians-tribes. Kindly check the link i hav posted. BTW Michael Jackson was black and did skin surgery to become white.So ur stmt is absurd. Many Brahmins from South India are dark skinned Mr go n check in South India
sanjeev says
not myth study ancient india dont take one reference what u r above said is our gurus of hindu kings presently we called as brahmins brahma, vishnu ,indra these words are came after aryavartan there is difference in between black and white culture aryan race developed the chaturvarna system to discriminate and take controle.no studies for sudra castes only for slavery now u can see after independence education is for all so many intelligent candidates are selecting to higher ranks in open category who are kept far away to study if britishers were settled here they will develop another discrimination among hindus to rule. aryans muslims britishers do same to hindu nation now suppressed are fighting for the rights are u accept Dr kanche ilaiah s question why iam not hindu ? brahmins stamped our nationality as caste there is trickery in their attitude
Griffith says
http://agniveer.com/821/vedas-and-shudra/
Griffith says
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.
duart maclean says
I deeply appreciate what Griffith has provided in clarifying the true intent of the Vedas and by revealing how the asuric mind has twisted words in order to discredit Hinduism both in India and throughout the world. India is now filled with materialists and manipulaters who hate any form of pure spirituality. They want worldly pleasure and power, they want to dominate, they love to slander, they do not want to be held to account for their cheap and sleazy behavior. They have done great damage to India, as was predicted in the ShivaRahasya. I assume that this goes with the particular yuga of our time. Thank you, Griffith, for standing up and boldly stating the real truth. It’s time for all Hindus of good faith, both at home and abroad, to do the same.
kunal kishor vivek says
attension friends,you should must ponder on his thought ,while replying as bulger comment which represent your family identity. he present it logically.
AGNIVEER SATYAGNI says
Win-win for all
Intellectuals from other religions use this as main excuse to hate Hinduism. So those involved in conversion from Hinduism and justifying the conversions done by them or their ancestors would find a convenient justification in blaming it on ‘Vedic’ birth-based caste system. Its a winning proposition for them thus.
May only the intellectuals be allowed to become face and heads of our nation. May only the strong, powerful and possessors of noble character be the strong hands that protect and bring us glory through efforts. May the smart trained managers guide our entire processes and ensure a vibrant healthy effective control mechanism. And may we utilize the rest of us to provide foundation and service to keep the system dynamic and powerful.
May we never allow non-intellectual minds to become heads, weaklings to become hands, untrained incompetents to manage the central control system and waste talented resources in doing less productive activities. Let us never allow mismatch of talents and job role on frivolous reasons like birth, family, favoritism, corruption etc. Let no profession – material or spiritual – become fiefdoms of selected few on the basis of any artificial barrier like caste or gender. And if there be any such existing barriers, let us destroy them completely in order to embrace the Purush Sukta!
Casteism is the father of all corruption and let us work for its total annihilation, in theory and practice.
Vivek says
@Sanjeev- dont just talk illogical if u cant refute stmts logically. I m a Rajput but i hav many relatives who r dark skinned. Also i have proven 2 u skin color is not a big deal surgery can easily change ur skin color as Michael jackson did. gene study done by scientists have proven that Aryan-Dravidian divide is a myth. Ur hate for Upper castes is equally intolerant. No1 here justifies or denies wrongs done 2 Dalits and Shudras But ur arguments dont make any sense at all.
duart maclean says
Ramana Maharshi had a genius for speaking mountains in a few words. He recognized only the Self/Brahman as Reality. There was no such reality as ‘caste’ for him. As for the brahmin class he had a simple definition: ‘A brahmin is someone who has realized Brahman’. He didn’t recognize any other form of brahmin, except as a matter of politeness. He saw brahmins, outcastes, animals, men, women, children and adherents of all religions with the eyes of absolute equality. Ramana Maharshi was/is the very essence of Hinduism.
John apostle says
I can clearly say that kanche Illiah didn’t do serious study on hinduism.In my research on Hinduism, I found many astonishing facts… How Muslims and British tried to kill Hinduism!!!
No doubt that this process is continuing…I have read many articles on Hinduism from a website called Agniveer.com… Where it has revealed many things and how others try to misguide Hinduism… The article posted by Griffith makes perfect sense and matches most of the points from my research!!!
Kanche Illiah is a crypto Christian who is pumped up with money by Christian missionaries from the USA.we can see the hatered towards Hindus especially Brahmins!!! I have read many articles of Stephen knapp who did a great research on Hinduism. But.. Finally what I just wanna say is to not believe in people like kanche Illiah who seems like a charletan!!! There are some other people behind this !! Please!! There is no caste system in Hinduism!! Do called Dalits are not Dalits… I urge them to read the writings of swami dayanandsaraswathi !! Do not believe in writings of maxmuller who made translations intelligently to deceive people!!! Please visit http://www.agniveer.com!! To know the facts!!!
qwe123kids says
Breaking India :- Dalit and Dravidian FaultLine.. a Must read book .. There is refernce of Kaanacha Illayi and Who fund Him..
bds says
Hindus being seekers of truth all the while in their life, should not bother about anyone who talks ill of their beliefs and thoughts. Let them consider themselves as anything they want in their wisdom . But , while posing as great liberals and people of glorius justice in their way of life, they should not try to poke their nose into others” personal preferences or indulge in slander.
Raju says
I would like to throw my real time experience before making any comment on Mr. Illayya is as below:
Initially, I had seen a TV program reg Veg & Non Veg where Illaya was one of the major participant in the program. As per observation, he was so aggressive in the media and simply insulting others with out having any proper justification reg his views. Later on, yesterday I went to the book fair in Hyderabad, and while going thru couple of book stals i have found one interesting book called ‘why iam not hinudu’ written by Illayya. Then immediately i have gone thru the book but i don’t see any valid points in the book as he has been targeting a specific community/religion intentionally. Then i have left the book and passed by. After that there was an announcement regarding the open discussions on Hindusum in the book fair, then i had moved to the open forum discussion. Again, i could see that Ilayya was one of the participant who was talking some thing as below:
1. White vs Block: Ilayya did n’t like cow as he dont like white color. He was blaming every hindus in this regard even though our gods ( like rama & krishna) are not in white color as per puranas. He don’t have any answer to this point.
2. Telugu, Sanskrit, Pali, English: Ilayya don’t like sanskrit and telugu and again starated blaming every Hindu and getting to conclusion is that pali and English are better than other languages.
3. Ilaya was trowing some light on welfare of BCs and their entry to temples in India. He is really mad as BCs are growing more rapidly than any other upper caste.
4. He himself was not clear whether he was a hindu or buddish or christian but intention is very clear to destroy one community/religion in India
5. He was throwing issues in hinduisum but he dont have any answers regarding issues in the islam or christian
After seeing all above points, he is a converted christian and throwing mud on hindusim which is not acceptable at all. Because each and everybody has the right to believe their own beliefs with out impacting other community. Its is really unfortunate that a converted christian is throwing mud on hinduisum in the open forum, which is really shameful to the entire hidu community. Every one knows that how a converted christian is doing these activities but i really wonder whether he can talk like this about islam and christian religions. On top of this, he don’t know anything about the Andhra pradesh charitra and social evaluation but simply barking in the open forums.
Be careful guys. Thanks!
Prem Kumar says
It is worth nothing that Illiah is a GOLLA( YADAV) community.
A politically and financially strong communing in INDIA.
jyothi says
as i wrote that dnt think i also belong to same community i am a viswabrahmin but i dont want that discrimination do exist..what he said is right that discrimination exist