Traditional understanding of rights

Tradition defines values and norms of a traditional community which are assumed to be clear, undisputed and universal. A traditional theory of rights invariably assumes the existence of a community. In India, for example, the division of society into varnas was part of tradition. Shudras or Brahmins have no complaint about not having political power. Khastriyas have no complaint against accepting the responsibility to protect their land against foreign invasions. All are concerned about protection of their traditional rights. Under jajmani system in India each caste had certain rights over certain activities and use of certain resources, although different communities – in different parts of India – had different traditions and customs which were normally considered to be right within the community. Several of these norms may look irrational, absurd or even inhuman by members of other communities, or from modernistic standpoint today but in the traditional society people considered them to be fair and just. All the people thought so – those who could be called beneficiaries of tradition as well as those who appear to have been wronged.