Varna and Caste do not mean the same thing

Karnataka High Court Judge Krishna S Dixit

Bengaluru (Karnataka) – Varna is not caste. Manu was not a Brahmin. Manu is a designation. Manusmriti contains many high principles. The epics of India, Vedas and Upanishads are mostly composed by shudras, said Justice Krishna S. Dixit of the Karnataka High Court, while speaking on the topic ‘Law and Religion’ organised in memory of senior advocate V. Tarakaram of the Karnataka High Court. Senior and junior advocates, as well as office bearers of the State Advocates Council, were present.

Justice Dixit added –

1. The Shudras became kings as they picked up the swordsmanship and acquired the art war-skills. Hinduism has always had a greater influence than all other religions in the world in establishing laws.

2. Laws in all countries are based on local rules, practices, and prior experience. Dharma has non-discriminatory systems.

3. There are hardliners in all religions. Their number may be more or less. Religion has an emotional component; that is why Karl Marx called religion ‘opium’. Yet no religion is free from criticism.

4. It is seen in the Mahabharat that the rules of war were made before the war began; but Europe’s principle is that ‘everything is considered fair in love and war’.