Table of Contents
Varna System of Bharat
In the Vedic Varna Ashrama Dharma, there are 4 Varnas namely the Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. The Kshatriya Dharma is what we will see detail in this blog.
- Brahmanas are the pivot of society and the source of all knowledge.
The Duties of a Brahmana are austere, yet relevant.
2. Kshatriyas are the protectors of society and help in the growth and welfare of society.
3. Vaishyas represent the business class who ensure that the society subsists through trade and occupation.
4. Shudras serve the other 3 classes and contribute highly towards performing all other activities.
However, the first 3 Varnas do not perform the activities meant for the Shudra class.
Basic Kshatriya Dharma According to Vedas
- The fundamental role of Kshatriyas is to protect the rights of the Brahmana class. This, so that Knowledge keeps flowing and inundating the state. When Knowledge is at risk, society is automatically at risk.
- The Kshatriya should protect the rights of the common men.
- He should create an environment of harmony within society through good governance. The just rulerships and non-partial approach identified a True Kshatriya in the olden days. A Kshatriya protects society from foreign invasions. Thus, he establishes the rule of the land so that people remain as one integrated unit.
- The Kshatriya should above all maintain law and ensure harmony in the state.
A Kshatriya should perform all the above functions. This, he should perform under the guidance of an eligible, Dharmic Brahmana community that offers key advice.
Above all, the Kshatriya should remain committed to Truth and Truth alone. The Kshatriya can never deviate from Scriptural advice given to him by his preceptors.
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What is Kshatriya Dharma
According to Manusmriti, the Kshatra Dharma is also known as Raja Dharma or Raja Niti. Dharma and Niti are synonymous and both these words represent a commitment to Truth. Any action taken in accordance with Scriptural Advice is Niti or Dharma.
The Vedic Scriptures such as the Manusmriti detail the functions and duties of the Kshatriya class.
Every Kshatriya is morally bound to the advice of the scripture. A Kshatriya who discounts the words of the Smriti loses his qualifications as a Kshatriya. Being born in a Kshatriya family is important.
Many regard this idea as casteist. But that is not the case. When one undertakes a role in society, there is a need for “purity in the gene”. He shall thus be able to deliver the functions required of a particular Varna.
A person born in a Kshatriya family may have different capabilities. But the dominant gene for a person born in a practicing Kshatriya family will be that which highlights his rulership qualities.
Kshatriya Dharma: A Kshatriya in the Modern World
Modern days Kshatriyas are devoid of the right to rule. This is because a “socialist” democracy rules a country like India now, which can do nothing against corruption, widespread misinformation, and lies.
A democracy that survives on lies, is against Vedic advice and demeans the teaching of Shastra. Many people argue that Kshatriyas can take up Kshatriya-like activities like working for the army and then delivering the Kshatra Dharma.
This is a fallacy. The government is not a body composed of trained Kshatriyas. Additionally, there is no learned Brahmana in the government body, guiding Niti Shastra. Only over-ambitious and greedy people enter into the governments of Kali Yuga.
Many believe that politics is the last resort for scoundrels.Although, this might not be entirely true, it is a field with many grey to black shades.
They do not accept the superiority of Vedic teachings and reject erudition, Truth-devoted Brahmana. In such a case, how can one qualify as a Kshatriya when working for the army under a socialist government? This is absurd.
Kshatriya Dharma: What should a true Kshatriya do today?
Raja Dharma should base itself on the purity of birth, actions, and intentions. A True Kshatriya should be born to pure, undiluted Kshatriya Parents.
He should undertake training in martial arts, wield weapons, and other gadgetry used for protection or attack. A Kshatriya should have the intention of safeguarding at least the people who stay near his vicinity.
He is supposed to be in constant touch with a Spiritual guide, a Brahmana who has Vedic education and follows the principles of Truth.
Then, depending on time, place, and circumstances, the Kshatriya should act for the overall welfare of people in the smallest manner and thus follow his Dharma.
Kshatriya Dharma: Kshatriya should lead by Example
The Kshatriya should live and die only for Dharma. If a Kshatriya truly cares about Dharma and Truth alone, he need not worry about Governments.
This is because Dharma shall protect him. Dharma protects anyone who lives by the advice of the Scriptures. This is the ultimate statement of the Scriptures.
A Kshatriya should never independently act. A Brahmana should always guide a Kshatriya. Even the Supreme Personality of Godhead Sri Rama took advice from his Gurus Sri Vashishtha and Vishvamitra.
King Prithu followed the instructions of Sage Bhrigu. Veer Shivaji Maharaj acted as per the will of Samartha Ramdas.
Sri Krishna always consulted Sage Veda Vyasa. Maharaj Yudhishthira depended on Sage Dhaumya. Dhruva and Prahlad Maharaja took important decisions after consulting Sage Narada.
Sage Parasurama and Rani LaxmiBai
A male dominant society does not restrict Kshatriya Dharma. History and Vedic Scriptures are full of the heroism of fighters like Srimati Rani Laxmibai, who was born to Brahmin parents, but to protect the country took up arms.
A person born in a Brahmin family sometimes takes up arms. This he does, in order to protect society, when there is a fall in Kshatra Dharma.
Sage Parasurama took up arms at a time when the Kshatriya race became corrupted and swept clean the unwanted weeds of the Kshatriya race 21 times. It is common that in the old Indian families, even women underwent martial arts training.
They were also trained to wield different weapons.
Women and Kshatriya (Kshatra) Dharma
History is full of references where women used to shoulder responsibilities with men on the battlefield. Narakasura had defeated Indra 3 times.
To fight Narakasura, Devi Satyabhama took up arms and accompanied Sri Krishna to the battlefield.
In the famous war where King Dasharatha sided Indra against the Asuras. Queen Kaikeyi stood along with King Dasharatha on his chariot and also saved him from certain death.
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