Page:An Essay On Hinduism.pdf/190

lose their hereditary Jaghirs than confer vedic sacraments on a Hindu prince who, in their opinion, was not entitled to them, still, men of such conservative spirit, who will always sacrifice worldly prospects to principle, will fortunately or unfortunately be always few. Most of the Brāhmaṇas are worldly men who would be influenced by money and power.

Unfortunately the princes with ability to take initiative in overthrowing the power of the Brāhmaṇas and to do constructive work in uniting India have not made their appearance. A large number of Hindu princes shower curses on Brāhmaṇas and do nothing more. In fact this has been the method of the Hindu princes who wanted to rebel against the authority of the Brāhmaṇas since the days of Gautama and, perhaps, long before that. Indian princes and other non-Brahmanical communities in India have been simply indulging in a cheap and irresponsible sedition against the Brāhmaṇas, the only uniters of Hindu communities. The princes seem to wish for prestige without responsibility and work; as long as they want this, the unity of India through their agency is a hopeless task.

If the princes are unable to play the part of Indian aristocracy, the Brāhmaṇas must play it. The Brāhmaṇas have some advantages peculiar to themselves. They are the only community in India whose position has always been at the top. Dynasties of princes have risen and fallen, but the Brāhmaṇas have remained unmolested. Nevertheless the Brāhmaṇas as they are will not be able to achieve any results. They should organize themselves. Every Brāhmaṇa caste should organize itself and affiliate to the others. When the Brāhmaṇas become organized they will acquire the power of deciding as to who