As we know Varna system divided people into priestly (Brahmin), warrior (Kshatriya), trader (Vaishya) and servant / worker (Shudra) classes. each were assigned specific functions.
but in various mythology, we see Brahmins performing Kshatriya functions while retaining their "Brahmin" varna.
In Ramayana, Parashurama is a warrior. Parashurama is also mentioned as warrior in various folk mythology regarding what's modern day Indian state of Kerala.
similarly, It's said that Vasishtha taught the princes archery and other martial skills in Ramayana, and Drona in Mahabharata. Acharya Krupa and Drona even fight in Mahabharata war, even if they are condemned for that.
In Draupadi Svayamvaram, the Pandavas get entry claiming to be Brahmins, and allowed to use the bow.
In documented history, after the caste system evolved to approximate it's modern form, there are examples of dynasties which claimed Brahman lineage. For example Kadambas of Banavasi. The talagunda Pillar inscription states about the founder of the dynasty, Mayura Sharman:
"Therefore, with the hand accustomed to handle kusa grass, (sacrificial) fuel, stone, ladle, ghee and oblations of grain, he seized flashing weapons, resolved to conquer the world."
It's possible that Brahmins could perform these things because they were the ones who made these rules. But in mythology, (as opposed to history) I don't find any mentions of Brahmin kingdoms. And don't also find any reference to them performing trader / agriculturist functions. At least not as much as references to them involving in wars. Both of these are not applicable to documented history though. As we can see many traditionally brahmin groups actually did agriculture, and some dynasties claimed brahmin lineage.
so my question is:
How normal was it to perform martial practice or fight in a war, for a hereditary Brahmin in Vedic times?
Was it that everyone were supposed to have some martial practices instead, so as to protect the state in times of war?
Would a brahmin involving in war be deemed unfit for certain religious rituals for killing people?
- How normal was it to perform martial practice or fight in a war, for a hereditary Brahmin in Vedic times?
Religious scriptures contradicted each other quite often, and while the usual duties of a Brahmin were priestly work and education, we find instances of Brahmins engaging in military service in the epics and even in the Rig Veda, and even becoming kings in the Classical Period. Thus, in real life, practicality and needs took precedent over scripture. Similarly we find instances of Kshatriyas becoming sages, and following the path of a hermit or sage, a path considered to be the domain of the priestly class. Therefore, contrary to scripture, it was not uncommon to find Brahmins engaged in military work. However, such exceptions, were excluisve to the upper echelons of the caste structure, meaning while Brahmin soldiers could be a common sight, Shudra land owners were not.
In the Vedic times, the Vashishta clan led the Bharata tribe at the Battle of Ten Kings according to Book 7 of the Rig Veda. Drona, acquired his own kingdom in the Mahabharata.
- Was it that everyone were supposed to have some martial practices instead, so as to protect the state in times of war?
As stated above, social mobility was largely restricted to the upper echelons of the caste structure. Vaishyas and Shudras weren't expected or allowed to bear arms and/or participate in wars.
- Would a brahmin involving in war be deemed unfit for certain religious rituals for killing people?
Brahmins who chose the mercenary or soldier profession as a means of earning livelihood, usually did not require to resort to priestly or scholarly functions, instead they made do with performing their duties as a soldier in war and as a farmer in peace.
Sources:
"A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India" by Upinder Singh
"India's Ancient Past" by RS Sharma