India, Aug. 6 -- By Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik - Author, Speaker, Illustrator, Mythologist

Originally Brahmins were simply transmitters of the Veda. Later, as keepers of dharma-shastra, they offered administrative services to kings. From the 10th century AD, they faced enormous competition from a rival caste group offering scribal, accounting and advisory services - the Kayasthas.

Brahmins had a ritually higher status as keepers of the Veda. Most curiously, the Kayastha claimed a defiantly opposite origin story. Brahmins could trace their descent to Brahma's mind-born sons, the Rishis, including Manu, who listed the dharma (obligation) of all communities. Kayasthas claimed descent from Chitragupta, the record-keeper of Yama, the god of death...