82 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
To take up the third and the last point, namely, the meaning of the word Varna [1] Let us first see in what sense it is used in the Rig Veda. The word Varna is used [2] in the Rig Veda in 22 places. Of these, in about 17 places the word is used in reference to deities such as Ushas, Agni, Soma, etc., and means lustre, features or colour. Being used in connection with deities, it would be unsafe to use them for ascertaining what meaning the word Varna had in the Rig Veda when applied to human beings. There are four and at the most five places in the Rig Veda where the word is used in reference to human beings. They are :
i.104.2;
i.179.6;
ii.12.4;
iii.34.5;
ix.71.2.
Do these references prove that the word Varna is used in the Rig Veda in the sense of colour and complexion?
Rig veda, iii.34.5 seems to be of doubtful import. The expression ‘caused Shukla Varna to increase’ is capable of double interpretation. It may mean Indra made Ushas throw her light and thereby increase the white colour, or it may mean that the hymn-maker being of white complexion, people of his i.e., of white colour increased. The second meaning would be quite far-fetched for the simple reason that the expansion of the white colour is the effect and lightening of Ushas is the cause.
Rig Veda, ix.71.2 the expression ‘abandons Asura Varna’ is not clear, reading it in the light of the other stanzas in the Sukta. The Sukta belongs to Soma Pavamana. Bearing this in mind, the expression ‘abandons Asura Varna’ must be regarded as a description of Soma. The word Varna as used here is indicative of roopa. The second half of the stanza says: ‘he throws away his black or dark covering and takes on lustrous covering.’ From this it is clear that the word Varna is used as indicative of darkness.
Rig Veda, i.179.6 is very helpful. The stanza explains that Rishi Agastya cohabitated with Lopamudra in order to obtain praja, children and strength and says that as a result two Varnas prospered. It is not clear from the stanza, which are the two Varnas referred to in the stanzas, although the intention is to refer to Aryas and Dasas.
1 On what follows, see Maharashtra Dnyanakosha, Vol. III pp. 39-42.
2 See Appendix VI, p. 216.