THE TRIUMPH OF BRAHMANISM 291
Pushyamitra’s Brahmanic Revolution was undertaken for the purposes of restoring the ancient social system of Chaturvarna which under the Buddhist regime was put into the melting pot. But when Brahmanism triumphed over Buddhism it did not content itself with merely restoring Charutvarna as it was in its original form. The system of Chaturvarna of the Pre-Buddhist days was a flexible system and was an open to system. This was because the Varna system had no connection with the marriage system. While Chaturvarna recognized the existence of four different classes, it did not prohibit inter-marriage between them. A male of one Varna could lawfully marry a female of another Varna. There are numerous illustrations in support of this view. I give below some instances which refer to well known and respectable individuals which have acquired a name and fame in the sacred lore of the Hindus.
Husband His Varna Wife Her Varna
Shantanu Kshatriya Ganga Shudra Anamik
Shantanu Kshatriya Matsyagandha Shudra Fisher woman
Parashara Brahmin Matsyagandha Shudra Fisher woman
Vishwamitra Kshatriya Menaka Apsara
Yayati Kshatriya Devayani Brahmin
Yayati Kshatriya Sharmishta Asuri—Non-Aryan
Jaratkaru Brahmin Jaratkari Nag—Non-Aryan
Should anybody retain doubt on the question that the division of
the society into classes did not prohibit intermarriages between the
four Varnas let him consider the geneology of the family of the great
Brahmin sage Vyas.
GENEOLOGY OF VYAS
Varuna Mitra = Urvashi
� Vashishtha = Akshamala
�
Shakti =
Parashara = Matsyagandha
�
= Vyas
Brahmintsm with the ferocity of an outraged brute proceeded to put a stop to these intermarriage between the different Varnas. A new law is proclaimed by Manu. It is in the following terms:—
III. 12. For the first marriage of twice born men (wives) of equal
caste are recommended.