Question

“In the ancient Indian subcontinent there were populations beyond the influence of Brahminical idea of four Varnas.” Explain the statement with examples.

Hint:

While analyzing the varna system, understand the limitations of its applicability, and understand that it was not a universal system and there were many social groups outside it.

Answer 1

Populations Outside Brahminical Influence: There were populations whose social practices were not influenced by the Brahminical ideology of the four Varnas. There were large numbers of people who did not follow this system and were beyond the social reach of the Brahmanas. 
Described as Odd and Uncivilized: These communities were often described as ‘odd and uncivilized’ in the Brahmanical texts. 
Forest Dwellers: Many of them were forest dwellers and they were hunters and gatherers. The text describes such groups as communities without an agricultural base, and which did not follow a regular code of conduct. 
Categories like Nishad: Categories such as Nishad (to which Eklavya was supposed to have belonged) were often mentioned in the Brahmanical texts, and such groups were often kept outside the four varnas, and were considered a marginal group. 
Rakshasas: The term ‘Rakshasa’ was also used to refer to the people whose practices differed from the ones laid down in Brahmanical texts, highlighting the diversity of social groups in the subcontinent. 
Nomadic Pastoralists: The nomadic pastoralists could not be accommodated in the Brahminical system of settled agriculture, which reflects how the system could not contain the diversity of human groups. 
Mlechchas: The term ‘Mlechchas’ was often used for non-Sanskrit speaking groups, and they were also considered as ‘low’ or outside the ambit of Brahminical system. 
Untouchables: Social categories such as untouchables were also developed. Fa-Xian, a Chinese traveler, wrote about the untouchables in his travel account, which highlights their position in the society. 
Chandalas: Chandals were placed at the very bottom of the social hierarchy. This category, created by the Brahmanas was also beyond the ambit of the four varnas. 
Matangas: Matanga was another social group which was outside the varna system, highlighting the different identities and social groups. 
Other relevant point: Any other relevant point from the chapter.