ataù pumbhir dvija-çreñöhä
varëäçrama-vibhägaçaù
svanuñöhitasya dharmasya
saàsiddhir hari-toñaëam
The above verse, taken from 13th verse of 1st Canto of the Srimad Bhagvatam, explains the actual caste system as it was originally envisioned. The society was supposed to be divided into four classes based on occupation, the intelligent, martial, productive and labourer caste. The main aim of such a division was to regulate the society and thereby improve it. At no point of time was it suggested that this system be hereditary. A person, born in whichever family, could easily rise up in society depending on his behaviour, skills and job occupation. Unfortunately, men, especially those in power, have a propensity of twisting words for their own benefit.
We, thus, ended with a lopsided view of the caste men, with people from "higher"castes thinking they have a hereditary right to rule.
In fact, the former view is accentuated by the dialogue between Manu and Kardama Muni and given in the 3rd canto of the Srimad Bhagvatam. It is explained how the role of a king was to protect his kingdom and his people and help them in spiritual advancement. It also explains the Varnashrama and how this was supposed to lead society on a path of peace and spiritual advancement. The word arya refers to this class of society, which was at one time spiritually advanced. This society, even in the ancient times, was referred to as the Aryans. This can be seen even in the Chaitanya Charitamruta. Contrary to popular "history", Aryans are not a race of people who "took over" India in the past, but a real part of our cultural history.
Gradually, over time, this society of Aryans has degenerated into the society that we have today. India, with its long history of conquests from outside especially in the last few centuries, has mixed and mingled these concepts far beyond recognition. And then came the British. What the Mughals could not achieve in 300 years, they achieved in less than a century. They effectively erased the glorious past of India, twisted the morals of an entire nation; and replaced it with their own version of history portraying India as a nation with a subjugated and divided past.
Remember the British and remember the phrase; The victorious re-write the history of those they rule.
