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202 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
descendents of Manu as the stock of descent than the one mentioned by the Vishnu Purana:
“The son of Gritsamada was Sunaka, from whom sprang the Saunakas, Brahmanas, Kshattriyas, Vaisyas, and Sudras.”
“Vitatha was the father of five sons, Suhotra, Suhotri, Gaya, Garga, and the great Kapila. Suhotra had two sons, the exalted Kasaka, and King Gritsamati. The sons of the latter were Brahmans, Kshattriyas and Vaisyas.”
The other version speaks of their being formed by Vishnu who sprang from Brahma and had become Prajapati Daksha and is as follows [1] :
“Janmejaya [2] says: ‘ I have heard, O Brahman the (description of the) Brahma Yuga, the first of the ages. I desire also to be accurately informed both summarily, and in detail, about the age of the Kshattriyas, with its numerous observances, illustrated as it was by sacrifice, and described, as it has been by men skilled in the art of narration.’ Vaisamapayana replied. ‘I shall describe to you that age revered for its sacrifices and distinguished for its various works of liberality, as well as for its people. Emancipation, practising unobstructed ceremonies, both in action and in abstinence from action constantly intent upon Brahma, united to Brahman as the highest object,—Brahmans glorious and sanctified in their conduct, leading a life of continence, disciplined by the knowledge of Brahman,—Brahmans complete in their observances, perfect in knowledge, and contemplative,— when at the end of a thousand yugas, their majesty was full, these Munis became involved in the dissolution of the world. Then Vishnu, sprung from Brahma, removed beyond the sphere of sense, absorbed in contemplation, became the Prajapati Daksha, and formed numerous creatures. The Brahmans, beautiful (or, dear to Soma), were formed from an imperishable ( akshara ) , the Kshattriyas from a perishable ( kshara ) , element, the Vaisyas from alteration, the Sudras from a modification of smoke. While Vishnu was thinking upon the castes ( varnan ) Brahmans were formed with white, red, yellow, and blue colour (varnaih). Hence in the world men have become divided into castes, being of four descriptions, Brahmans, Kshattriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras, one in form, distinct in their duties, two-footed, very wonderful, full of energy(?), skilled in expedients in all their occupations. Rites are declared to be prescribed by the Vedas for the three (highest) castes. By that contemplation practised by the being
1 Muir’s Vol. I pp. 152-153.
2 The Harivamsa is a dialogue between Janmejaya and Vaishampayan.