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Indika: An Ancient Greek Description of India

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Thank you to mods for cleaning up this thread.

Here is Part 4. Megasthenes discusses the caste system of India, and the various characteristics of Indian animals.
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FRAGM. XXXIII
Strab. XV. 1. 39-41, 46-49,--pp. 703-4, 707.

Of the Seven Castes among the Indians.

According to him (Megasthenes) the population of India is divided into seven parts. The philosophers are first in rank, but form the smallest class in point of number. Their services are employed privately by persons who wish to offer sacrifices or perform
other sacred rites, and also publicly by the kings at what is called the Great Synod, wherein at the beginning of the new year all the philosophers are gathered together before the king at the gates, when any philosopher who may have committed any useful suggestion to writing, or observed any means for improving the crops and the cattle, or for promoting the public interests, declares it publicly. If any one is detected giving false information thrice, the law condemns him to be silent for the rest of his life, but he who gives sound advice is exempted from paying any taxes or contributions.

The second caste consists of the husbandmen, who form, the bulk of the population, and are in disposition most mild and gentle. They are exempted from military service, and cultivate their lands undisturbed by fear. They never go to town, either to take part in its tumults, or for any other purpose. It therefore not infrequently happens that at the same time, and in the same part of the country, men may be seen drawn up in array of battle and fighting at risk of their lives, while other men close at hand are ploughing and digging in perfect security, having these soldiers to protect them. The whole of the land is the property of the king, and the husbandmen till it on condition of receiving one-fourth of the produce.

The third caste consists of herdsmen and hunters, who alone are allowed to hunt, and to keep cattle, and to sell draught animals or let them out on hire. In return for clearing the land of wild beasts and fowls which devour the seeds sown in the fields, they receive an allowance of grain from the king. They lead a wandering life and live under tents.

The fourth class, after herdsmen and hunters, consists of those who work it trades, of those who vend wares, and of those who are employed in bodily labour. Some of these pay tribute, and render to the state certain prescribed services. But the armour-makers and shipbuilders receive wages and their victuals from the king, for whom alone they work. The general in command of the army supplies the soldiers with weapons, and the admiral of the fleet lets out ships on hire for the transport both of passengers and merchandize.

The fifth class consists of fighting men, who, when not engaged in active service, pass their time in idleness and drinking. They are maintained at the king's expense, and hence they are always ready, when occasion calls, to take the field, for they carry nothing of their own with them but their own bodies.

The sixth class consists of the overseers, to whom is assigned the duty of watching all that goes on, and making reports secretly to the king. Some are entrusted with the inspection of the city, and others with that of the army. The former employ as their coadjutors the courtezans of the city, and the latter the courtezans of the camp. The ablest and most trustworthy men are appointed to fill these offices.

The seventh class consists of the councillors and assessors of the king. To them belong the highest posts of government, the tribunals of justice, and the general administration of public affairs. No one is allowed to marry out of his own caste, or to exchange one profession or trade for another, or to follow more than one business. An exception is made in favour of the philosopher, who for his virtue is allowed this privilege.
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FRAGM. XXXIV.
Strab. XV. 1. 50-52,--pp. 707-709.

Of the administration of public affairs, and Of the use of Horses and Elephants.

Of the great officers of state, some have charge of the market, others of the city, others of the soldiers. Some superintend the rivers, measure the land, as is done in Egypt, and inspect the sluices by which water is let out from the main canals into their branches, so that every one may have an equal supply of it. The same persons have charge also of the huntsmen, and are entrusted with the power of rewarding or punishing them according to their deserts. They collect the taxes, and superintend the occupations connected with land; as those of the woodcutters, the carpenters, the blacksmiths, and the miners. They construct roads, and at every ten stadia set up a pillar to show the by-roads and distances. Those who have charge of the city are divided into six bodies of five each. The members of the first look after everything relating to the industrial arts. Those of the second attend to the entertainment of foreigners. To these they assign lodgings, and they keep watch over their modes of life by means of those persons whom they give to them for assistants. They escort them on the way when they leave the country, or, in the event of their dying, forward their property to their relatives. They take care of them when they are sick, and if they die bury them. The third body consists of those who inquire when and how births and deaths occur, with the view not only of levying a tax, but also in order that births and deaths among both high and low may not escape the cognizance of Government. The fourth class superintends trade and commerce. Its members have charge of weights and measures, and see that the products in their season are sold by public notice. No one is allowed to deal in more than one kind of commodity unless he pays a double tax. The fifth class supervises manufactured articles, which they sell by public notice. What is new is sold separately from what is old, and there is a fine for mixing the two together. The sixth and last class consists of those who collect the tenths of the prices of the articles sold. Fraud, in the payment of this tax is punished with death. Such are the functions which these bodies separately discharge. In their collective capacity they have charge both of their special departments, and also of matters affecting the general interest, as the keeping of public buildings in proper repair, the regulation of prices, the care of markets, harbours, and temples. Next to the city magistrates there is a third governing body, which directs military affairs. This also consists of six divisions, with five members to each. One division is appointed to cooperate with the admiral of the fleet, another with the superintendent of the bullock-trains which are used for transporting engines of war, food for the soldiers, provender for the cattle, and other military requisites. They supply servants who beat the drum, and others who carry gongs; grooms also for the horses, and mechanists and their assistants. To the sound of the gong they send out foragers to bring in grass, and by a system of rewards and punishments ensure the work being done with despatch and safety. The third division has charge of the foot-soldiers, the fourth of the horses, the fifth of the war-chariots, and the sixth of the elephants. There are royal stables for the horses and elephants, and also a royal magazine for the arms, because the soldier has to return his arms to the magazine, and his horse and his elephant to the stables. They use the elephants without bridles. The chariots are drawn on the march by oxen, but the horses are led along by a halter, that their legs may not be galled and inflamed, nor their spirits damped by drawing chariots. In addition to the charioteer, there are two fighting men who sit up in the chariot beside him. The war-elephant carries four men--three who shoot arrows, and the driver. (Fragm. XXVII follows.)
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FRAGM. XXXV.
Aelian, Hist. Anim. XIII. 10.

Of the use of Horses and Elephants.

When it is said that an Indian by springing forward in front of a horse can check his speed and hold him back, this is not true of all Indians, but only of such as have been trained from boyhood to manage horses; for it is a practice with them to control their horses with bit and bridle, and to make them move at a measured pace and in a straight course. They neither, however, gall their tongue by the use of spiked muzzles, nor torture the roof of their mouth. The professional trainers break them in by forcing them to gallop round and round in a ring, especially when they see them refractory. Such as undertake this work require to have a strong hand as well as a thorough knowledge of horses. The greatest proficients test their skill by driving a chariot round and round in a ring; and in truth it would be no trifling feat to control with ease a team of four high-mettled steeds when whirling round in a circle. The chariot carries two men who sit beside the charioteer. The war-elephant, either in what is called the tower, or on his bare back in sooth, carries three fighting men, of whom two shoot from the side, while one shoots
from behind. There is also a fourth man, who carries in his hand the goad wherewith he guides the animal, much in the same way as the pilot and captain of a ship direct its course with the helm.
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FRAGM. XXXVI.
Strab. XV. 1. 41-43,--pp. 704-705.

Of Elephants

(Fragm. XXXIII. 6 has preceded this.)
A private person is not allowed to keep either a horse or an elephant. These animals are held to be the special property of the king, and persons are appointed to take care of them. The manner of hunting the elephant is this. Round a bare patch of ground is dug a deep trench about five or six stadia in extent, and over this is thrown a very narrow bridge which gives access to the enclosure. Into this enclosure are introduced three or four of the best-trained female elephants. The men themselves lie in ambush in concealed huts. The wild elephants do not approach this trap in the daytime, but they enter it at night, going in one-by-one. When all have passed the entrance, the men secretly close it up; then, introducing the strongest of the tame fighting elephants, they fight it out with the wild ones, whom at the same time they enfeeble with hunger. When the latter are now overcome with fatigue, the boldest of the drivers dismount unobserved, and each man creeps under his own elephant, and from this position creeps under the belly of the wild elephant and ties his feet together. When this is done they incite the tame ones to beat those whose feet are tied till they fall to the ground. They then bind the wild ones and the tame ones together neck to neck with thongs of raw ox-hide. To prevent them shaking themselves in order to throw off those who attempt to mount them, they make cuts all round their neck and then put thongs of leather into the incisions so that the pain obliges them to submit to their fetters and to remain quiet. From the number caught they reject such as are too old or too young to be serviceable, and the rest they lead away to the stables. Here they tie their feet one to another, and fasten their necks to a firmly fixed pillar, and tame them by hunger. After this they restore their strength with green reeds and grass. They next teach them to be obedient, which they effect by soothing them, some by coaxing words, and others by songs and the music of the drum. Few of them are found difficult to tame, for they are naturally so mild and gentle in their disposition that they approximate to rational creatures. Some of them take up their drivers when fallen in battle, and carry them off in safety from the field. Others, when their masters have sought refuge between their forelegs, have fought in their defence and saved their lives. If in a fit of anger they kill either the man who feeds or the man who trains them, they pine so much for their loss that they refuse to take food, and sometimes die of hunger.
They copulate like horses, and the female casts her calf chiefly in spring. It is the season for the male, when he is in heat and becomes ferocious. At this time he discharges a fatty substance through an orifice near the temples. It is also the season for the females, when the corresponding passage opens. They go with young for a period which varies from sixteen to eighteen months. The dam suckles her calf for six years. Most of them live as long as men who attain extreme longevity, and some live over two hundred years. They are liable to many distempers, and are not easily cured. The remedy for diseases of the eye is to wash it with, cows’ milk. For most of their other diseases draughts of black wine are administered to them. For the cure of their wounds they are made to swallow butter, for this draws out iron. Their sores are fomented with swine's flesh.
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FRAGM. XXXVII
Arr. Ind. ch. 13-14.
(Fragm. XXXII comes before this.)
[FRAGM. XXXVII B.]
Aelian, Hist. Anim. XII. 44.

Of Elephants.

In India an elephant if caught when full-grown is difficult to tame, and longing for freedom thirsts for blood. Should it be bound in chains, this exasperates it still more, and it will not submit to a master. The Indians, however, coax it with food, and seek to pacify it with various things for which it has a liking, their aim being to fill its stomach and to soothe its temper. But it is still angry with them, and takes no notice of them. To what device do they then resort? They sing to it their native melodies, and soothe it with the music of an instrument in common use which has four strings and is called a skindapsos. The creature now pricks up its ears, yields to the soothing strain, and its anger subsides. Then, though there is an occasional outburst of its suppressed passion, it gradually turns its eye to its food. It is then freed from its bonds, but does not seek to escape, being enthralled with the music. It even takes food eagerly, and, like a luxurious guest riveted to the festive board, has no wish to go, from its love of the music.
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FRAGM. XXXVIII.
Aelian, Hist. Anim. XIII. 7.

Of the diseases of Elephants
(Cf. Fragm. XXXVI. 15 and XXXVII 15.)

The Indians cure the wounds of the elephants which they catch, in the manner following:--
They treat them in the way in which, as good old Homer tells us, Patroklos treated the wound of Euryplyos,--they foment them with lukewarm water. After this they rub them over with butter, and if they are deep allay the inflammation by applying and inserting pieces of pork, hot but still retaining the blood. They cure ophthalmia with cows' milk, which is first used as a fomentation for the eye, and is then injected into it. The animals open their eyelids, and finding they can see better are delighted, and are sensible of the benefit like human beings. In proportion as their blindness diminishes their delight overflows, and this is a token that the disease has been cured. The remedy for other distempers to which they are liable is black wine; and if this potion fails to work a cure nothing else can save them.
 
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keep it coming.. its been a good read so far..

The perception one gets is that both India and Pakistan - before the advent of Islam- considered to be one unit - its only after religious segregation occurred that the partition and the difference in identity became stronger!
 
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^^^

There was no "partition". Both Pakistan and india were created in 1947. Pakistan was created on 14th August 1947, whilst india was created on 15th August 1947. Pakistan is a day older than india.
 
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^^^

There was no "partition". Both Pakistan and india were created in 1947. Pakistan was created on 14th August 1947, whilst india was created on 15th August 1947. Pakistan is a day older than india.

no no east and west pakistan was created on 14th august 1947, we removed west from you . and just pakistan was created on 16 dec 1971
 
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^^^

There was no "partition"

I'm not sure how to respond to this :undecided:

Both Pakistan and india were created in 1947. Pakistan was created on 14th August 1947, whilst india was created on 15th August 1947. Pakistan is a day older than india.

Did you not understand the point of this thread? The term "India" has been in use for over 2300 years at least. The term "Pakistan" was coined in the 20th century only.

Before Partition there were various terms in use to describe this land. Different people called it different things.

The Persians and Central Asians called it "Hindustan" - the Land of the Hindus.

The Arabs called it "Hind", dervied from the Persian term.

The native names are "Bharat" as well as "Aryavartha" - the Land of Aryans. The latter was the term Chanakya used to describe India.

The Greeks, and their civilizational descendants the Romans, British, and Westerners in general, call it "India", after the Indus.

Whatever you decide to call it, it is one entity.
 
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^^^

There was no "partition". Both Pakistan and india were created in 1947. Pakistan was created on 14th August 1947, whilst india was created on 15th August 1947. Pakistan is a day older than india.

Pakistan is a day older than india! That line took the cake for me! Is it going to help in anyways if u are a day older? Will it help if pakistan was founded a million years ago before india? Wat does it matter? Could you not see that u were one people before religion and politics separated u ppl and filled u with hatred? Read all wat the historians said with an open mind.. Everything was one unit.. Now its not.. Watever name u call it, doesnt matter..

The nation of urs was cut open with the swords of colonialism and politics.. And the cancer of religion and hatred has kept u separated!
 
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no no east and west pakistan was created on 14th august 1947, we removed west from you . and just pakistan was created on 16 dec 1971

Why do indians get so butt-hurt about the fact your country was created by the Brtitish in 1947? Why the constant lies and denial?

Why not just be straight up and admit the truth?

Man, i just hope you people can get over your inferioty complex. Not for your own sake. But for the sake of us Pakistanis.
 
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I can only imagine at wat heights an undivided pakistan and india can go with the highest number of skilled workers.. Add china to that matrix and see how any other country can stand against that alliance!

U cry that its in militants interests to keep pak and india at war.. Its at the worlds interest that u guys be peaceful.. It would give a realistic chance for a fifth of himanity to get out of poverty!
 
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Pakistan is a day older than india! That line took the cake for me! Is it going to help in anyways if u are a day older? Will it help if pakistan was founded a million years ago before india? Wat does it matter? Could you not see that u were one people before religion and politics separated u ppl and filled u with hatred? Read all wat the historians said with an open mind.. Everything was one unit.. Now its not.. Watever name u call it, doesnt matter..

The nation of urs was cut open with the swords of colonialism and politics.. And the cancer of religion and hatred has kept u separated!

1st) You are an indian.

2nd) What nation of mine was cut up by swords and colonialism?

Before the British came to south Asia there were upto 570 independent states. The British united all these states under British India/British empire. There was no nation that you speak of. Your nation was united in 1947.
 
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I can only imagine at wat heights an undivided pakistan and india can go with the highest number of skilled workers.. Add china to that matrix and see how any other country can stand against that alliance!

U cry that its in militants interests to keep pak and india at war.. Its at the worlds interest that u guys be peaceful.. It would give a realistic chance for a fifth of himanity to get out of poverty!

Unfortunately/fortunately India Pakistan relations are much more than just land disputes. It has many dimensions to it - history,religion,genocides and then the land dispute.

Hypothetically speaking even if we solve Kashmir, I don't think there would be any 'friendship' among us. There will be peace, but friendship - I don't think so.

And frankly today, not many in India (cannot speak for Pakistan) seriously care for a peace with Pakistan. We are more than comfortable with the status-quo and I don't see it changing any time soon.

We love to hate each other and its perhaps better that way.
 
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Why do indians get so butt-hurt about the fact your country was created by the Brtitish in 1947? Why the constant lies and denial?

Why not just be straight up and admit the truth?

Man, i just hope you people can get over your inferioty complex. Not for your own sake. But for the sake of us Pakistanis.

country was not created, our country got independence from British. there is no denial in that, in 16 century when british open a company called " british east india company ". i never heard of british pakistan company . same way dutch east india company" and dutch came came even before britisher came so name of india was there before any trade between two country established,

what inferiority complex man , we are the reason west was removed from west pakistan . it is a fact
 
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What has this got to do with Military History?

Closed.
 
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