question_answer

Explain the ideal occupation, as laid down in Dharmashastras and Dharmasutras for the four Varnas and one strategy evolved by the Brahmanas to enforce these norms.

Answer:

The Dharmasutras and Dharmashastras also contained rules about the ideal occupations of die four varnas.

(i) Brahmanas were supposed to study and teach the Vedas, perform sacrifices and get sacrifices performed, and give and receive gifts.

(ii) Kshatriyas were to engage in warfare, protect people and administer justice, study the Vedas, get sacrifices performed, and make gifts.

(iii) Vaishyas were expected to engage in agriculture, pastoralism and trade in addition to study vedas, make gifts and get sacrifices performed.

(iv) Shudras were in occupation of serving the other three higher varnas.

The Brahmanas asserted that this division of occupation was a Varna order of divine origin.