Hero Memorial-stones of Kathiawar

Extract

The cult of the war-hero which may be considered as a variation upon that of ancestor-worship, is found in India in its fullest development among the Rajputs. The clans of these people, together with those of their numerous offshoots, claim to represent the Vedic Ksatriya or warrior caste, ranking next in order to that of the priestly Brahmans in the Hindu hierarchy of caste. By virtue of this (presumed) high social position the Rajput despises manual labour as beneath the dignity of his ancestry, often his sole inheritance. Until the Pax Britannica brought lasting peace. and order to the land, war and forays were the Rajputs' main occupation and pastime. Warlike virtue was esteemed above all else; the martial deeds of great warriors formed the dominant theme of the songs of the tribal bards. A code of chivalry was evolved, acknowledged and practised generally, and this in great measure moderated the trials and alleviated the hardships suffered by the defeated and despoiled.