In Rigveda, there is no description or distinction of attributes about different Varnas except Brahmin, who was responsible for the execution of Brahmanas (processes and procedures). It was more of a role and not a class or cast. The Purusa Sukta hymns of Rigveda only indicate how the four Varnas came but contemporary researchers have identified this Sukta as a later addition and not the original hymn. This is evident from two facts — one is that it is only one Hymn out of the blue and disconnected. It has not been referred anywhere else. Secondly, the type of Sanskrit used was different from the rest of the flow. Sanskrit has changed over a period leaving behind the footprint of the era. Hence during RV times, that distinction of varnas did not exist.
I checked Atharvaveda (AV) to find out the meaning of Sudras. AV uses the terms Arya and Sudra to address communities. We can thus conclude that Sudras were non-Aryans. Sudra term has been mentioned five times in Atharvaveda. But none of these have any derogatory meaning or raise any concern.
- AV — Hymn XX, Book 4
I look on everyone therewith, each Sūdra and each Āryan man. Make manifest the forms of things; hide not their essences from sight.
Kimidin, Yātudhāna from their hiding places have I dragged. I look on everyone with this, Sūdra and Aryan men alike
2. AV — Hymn VI Book 19
Here the hymns are the same as in Purusha Shukta of Rigveda. This merely indicates the different body parts depending on the nature of the work which they do giving rise to each Verna.
The Brāhman was his mouth, and of both his arms was the Rājanya made. 457 His waist became the Vaisya, from his feet the Sūdra was produced.
AV — Hymn XXXII Book 19
Do thou, O Darbha, make me dear to Brāhman and Rājanya, dear to Sūdra, and to Arya dear, Yea, dear to every man we love, to every man with eyes to see.
AV — Hymn LXII Book 18
Make me beloved among the Gods, beloved among the Princes, make Me dear to everyone who sees, to Sūdra and to Aryan man
[Note: Darbha is a Grass, Rajanya means Royals]
These are the only five references of Sudras presented in Atharvaveda.
The Atharvaveda was the last Veda written so far till 900 BC. Atharvaveda brings more practical insights and is the origin of Ayurved, which was the medical science of Ancient Aryan Civilization. It is also called the book of magical formulas.
There is nothing wrong with mentions of Sudra I could find, but it gave rise to the role of Brahmins and Kshatriyas in society. What I could only understand was that Sudras were not Aryans as it makes two distinct divisions — Sudra and Aryans. The native people were perhaps Sudras.
This leads to an interesting point. Rigveda does not identify the varnas in such detail and hence the early Aryans were not divided into varna systems. But the identification of Varnas and clarity of roles of Kshatriyas (warrior class) and Brahmins (Priests) in Atharvaveda indicates that something started changing between 1500BC — 900BC when they arrived in this land. But to a large extent, it appears as a division of labor. However, I must admit that from Atharvaveda, it appears that Brahmins needed protection and hymns do indeed protect Brahmins from the wrath of Rajanyas (Kshatriyas) and others and makes it a protected class.
Note: This is shared for research purposes. Constructive and Informed criticism is welcome.
