Understanding the Term Chandala in Ancient India

Many hold the misconception that the term Chandala is synonymous with the modern-day Dalit or Scheduled Caste. However, this is not accurate. The term Chandala in ancient India was not defined by birth or caste, but rather by personal conduct and action. This distinction is clearly illustrated in the Chandogya Upanishad.

The Chandogya Upanishad and the Meanings of Birth

According to the Chandogya Upanishad (5.10.7), people are born into families based on their current actions. The verse states:

"Those whose conduct here has been good will quickly attain a good birth, literally womb the birth from a brahmin womb, the birth from a Ksatriya womb, or the birth from a Vaisya womb. But those whose conduct here has been evil will quickly attain an evil birth, the birth from a dog’s womb, the birth of a hog, or the birth from a chandala parents."

This verse emphasizes that the nature of one's birth is determined by their actions and actions alone, rather than by their parent's social or caste status.

What Does the Chandogya Upanishad Verse Mean?

The verse implies that individuals with excellent conduct will likely be born to high-sattvic parents (Brahmins), those with middling conduct to parents of mixed sattvic and rajasic qualities (Ksatriyas or Vaisyas), and those with neither good nor bad conduct to parents who do not possess the qualities of Brahmins, Ksatriyas, or Vaisyas. Those with exceptionally bad conduct, lacking any redeeming features, will be born to parents who are either of animal kin or Chandala.

In essence, the Chandala is portrayed as an individual whose conduct is akin to that of an animal. This concept explains the historical and cultural context in which the Chandalas were perceived.

Chandalas and Animal Associations in Historical Context

The historical figures or groups who were considered Chandalas often engaged in activities considered by dominant social groups as beneath them, such as disposing of dead animals or humans. Among the most notable examples are the Nazi perpetrators of the Holocaust, who, by their actions, were seen as having a level of conduct equivalent to animals, similar to the concept of Chandalas. Thus, these individuals, in their next life, would be born with the status of animals or into a family of Chandalas.

The Influence of Buddhism on Ancient Indian Society

At the time of Faxian (Fa-Xian), there was a significant influence of Buddhism in India. Buddhism often introduced a stern code of conduct, which affected various social groups. In Buddhist countries, butchers, who traditionally were not considered part of the elite social groups, were often deemed untouchable and sinful. Buddhism influenced other Asian cultures as well, such as:

Sri Lanka: The untouchable butchers were known as Rodiya. Japan: The untouchable butchers were known as Burakumin. In many Buddhist countries, due to the belief that killing animals is sinful, they import a few Muslims to perform the task, ensuring that the killing is not considered a buddhist sin.

This Buddhist-inspired social structure further marginalized the Chandalas, classifying them as untouchable and outside the prescribed social norms.

Conclusion

The term Chandala in ancient India referred to individuals whose conduct was deemed unacceptable, rather than a specific social or caste group. This understanding provides a deeper insight into the historical context of discrimination against this group. Additionally, the influence of Buddhism on Indian and Asian cultures played a significant role in shaping various socio-religious structures, often isolating groups like the Chandalas.

Keywords:

Chandalas Ancient India Buddha's Influence