Letter 25 | Kings and Temples and Priests (In English) | Letters From a Father to His Daughter

In this letter, Jawaharlal Nehru explains the societal structure that emerged over time, focusing on the roles of peasants, kings, and priests. He highlights how peasants and laborers, though crucial for food production, were marginalized and received very little for their efforts, while kings and landlords, who held power, took a large share of their produce.

Nehru then explores the origins of religion, pointing out that early humans, out of fear and ignorance, created gods to explain the unknown. Temples were built for these gods, and people used images of animals or half-human creatures, often ugly and frightening, to represent them. This reflected their belief that gods were powerful and to be feared.

The priests, being more educated and literate than others, gained significant influence. They not only performed religious duties but also became advisers to kings, doctors, and the keepers of knowledge. People considered them magicians because of their tricks and knowledge, and they relied on them in times of trouble. Though the priests often misled the people, they also helped them progress.
Nehru concludes by noting that, in some societies, priests initially governed before kings took over, as kings were better fighters. In some places, like Egypt, kings (Pharaohs) were considered both rulers and gods.