BG 1.43
By the destruction of lineages and the intermingling of social classes, ancient traditions and family values are destroyed.
उत्साद्यन्ते जातिधर्माः कुलधर्माश्च शाश्वताः
Many translations use the translation of jātidharma (जातिधर्म) and kuladharma (कुलधर्म) as "duty of caste" and "traditions of family". Accordingly, many translations have Arjuna lamenting the destruction of traditional dynasties and the caste system - institutions that are far less reputable and widely supported than they once were. This translation makes an editorial decision to translate jātidharma as "ancient traditions", which maintains the underlying meaning without putting undue emphasis on the polarizing notion of caste.
The term varṇa-saṅkara-kārakaiḥ cannot be editorialized to suit modern sensibilities without changing the underlying meaning. The four varṇas (divisions) of Vedic society are brahmins (scholars, priests, teachers), kshatriyas (rulers, leaders, warriors), vaishyas (merchants, farmers, traders), and shudras (laborers, artisans, servants). The term saṅkara specifically refers to the intermingling of these groups, as defined in the 6th century Sanskrit encyclopedia Bṛhatsaṃhitā. As such, the most accurate translation for this term is "intermingling of the castes".
In these situations, it is important to note that the Bhagavad Gita was composed thousands of years ago, for a society that saw inherent nobility and duties as prescribed by birthright. In post-Enlightenment societies, these notions of birthright and inherent social distinction are seen as contradictory to the foundational principles of freedom and equality, and fail to capture the enormous range of occupations in the modern age.
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doṣhair — by such faults
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etaiḥ — all these
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kula-ghnānāṁ — of the destroyers of the family
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kula — family
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ghnānāṁ — destroyers
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varṇa-saṅkara-kārakaiḥ — intermingling of the social classes
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varṇa — social class
Refers to one of the four social classes - priests, warriors, merchants, and laborers. -
saṅkara — class intermingling
Saṅkara (सङ्कर) refers to the "intermingling of castes" -
kārakaiḥ — making, doing
From kāraka - making, doing, acting
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utsādyante — are ruined
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jāti-dharmāḥ — duties prescribed by birth
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jāti — birth status
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dharmāḥ — prescribed duties, righteous conduct
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kula-dharmāśh — family traditions
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kula — family
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dharmāśh — traditions, duties
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cha — and
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śhāśhvatāḥ — eternal
When a community perishes, its traditions and duties are destroyed, and the families are overcome by immorality. When impiety prevails, the women become immoral, and children of mixed social groups are born. Promiscuity ruins both the family and those who defile it, depriving the ancestors of ritual offerings. By the destruction of lineages and the intermingling of social classes, ancient traditions and family values are destroyed. The wise say that those who destroy family traditions are destined for hell. What a pity that we have decided to commit this great sin, prepared to slay our kinsmen for the pleasures of kingdom. It would be better if the sons of Dhritarashtra should slay me in battle, unarmed and unresisting.
Similar verses
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When a community perishes, its traditions and duties are destroyed, and the families are overcome by immorality.
- Verse 1.40
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Promiscuity ruins both the family and those who defile it, depriving the ancestors of ritual offerings.
- Verse 1.42
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The wise say that those who destroy family traditions are destined for hell.
- Verse 1.44