Text 22] The Dynasty of Bharata 137

ajamidhah—Ajamidha; dvimidhah—Dvimidha; ca—also; purumi-
dhah—Purumidha; ca—also; hastinah—became the sons of Hasti; aja-
midhasya—of Ajamidha; vamsyadh—descendants; sywh—are; priya-
medha-ddayah—headed by Priyamedha; dvijah—brahmanas.

TRANSLATION

From King Hasti came three sons, named Ajamidha, Dvimidha
and Purumidha. The descendants of Ajamidha, headed by

Priyamedha, all achieved the position of brahmanas.

PURPORT

This verse gives evidence confirming the statement of Bhagavad-gita
that the orders of society— brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya and Sidra—are
calculated in terms of qualities and activities (guna-karma-vibhagasah).
All the descendants of Ajamidha, who was a hksatriya, became
brahmanas. This was certainly because of their qualities and activities.
Similarly, sometimes the sons of brahmanas or ksatriyas become vaisyas
(brahmana vaisyatam gatéh). When a ksatriya or brahmana adopts the
occupation or duty of a vaisya (krsi-goraksya-vanijyam), he is certainly
counted as a vaisya. On the other hand, if one is born a vaisya, by his ac-
tivities he can become a bréhmana. This is confirmed by Narada Muni.
Yasya yal-laksanam proktam. The members of the varnas, or social or-
ders— brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya and sidra—must be ascertained by
their symptoms, not by birth. Birth is immaterial; quality is essential.

TEXT 22

mane BATT Gat Tega: |
TERIA «FT AATATTA! RR

ajamidhad brhadisus
tasya putro brhaddhanuh
brhatkdyas tatas tasya
putra Gsij jayadrathah
