NOTES

Though stanza 13 implies that the study of astrology should be restricted to Brahmins alone
yet from the reference made to Yavanas and Mlechchas well versed in astrology being held in same
respect as Rishis, it is clear that all intelligent persons, irrespective of their caste, creed or religion, can
take to the study of the subject through proper initiation. The Brahmin, unlike as commonly
understood, can be anyone who leads a simple and pious life. Sage Vyasa in the Mahabharata says
that everyone is born a sudra and becomes a Brahmin through his deeds as per the statement:

(...)

The same meaning is implied in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita wherein Lord Krishna says the four-
fold division was on the basis of one's nature and one's work. Brahmins, according to the Lord, are
those who lead lives of piety, are forbearing, calm, self-controlled and seekers of knowledge.

Stanza 14 is merely a reproduction of stanza 15 of Chapter II of Brihat Samhita.

It is difficult to define the term Mlechcha. But by a careful perusal of the literature connected
with ancient scientific thought, I would venture to say that the inhabitants of Afghanistan, Arabia and
Persia were probably intended by the term Mlechcha. It is not correct to suggest that mlechcha means
neecha. On the contrary the term mlechcha meant a person inhabiting a certain tract of land which I
would identify as the strip beginning from Afghanistan and extending upto and including modern Iran.
The Yavanas are, of course, the Greeks.

This stanza furnishes us with the clue that the ancient Hindus had cultural relations with Middle East
and Southern European countries. In fact the astrological writings of Yavanacharyas seem to have
been held in such high esteem by a celebrated scientist like Varaha Mihira that he does not hesitate
to give them the respect due to a Maharshi. There seems to have been considerable intermingling of
Indian, Greek and Arabian cultures during the time of Mihira, though it cannot b