A man and a woman discuss the origins of religious texts and the caste system, with the man claiming that God created all Vedas and Puranas at once and that the caste system as perceived has not existed for centuries, while the woman questions these assertions and cites a Manusmriti verse regarding Shudras listening to Vedas.

Hindus consider the Vedas to be 'apauruṣeyā' (not of a man, superhuman, impersonal, authorless) and revelations seen by ancient sages, with Vyasa credited for compiling and systematizing them, not creating them. The Puranas are generally ascribed to Vyasa and are believed to have come after the Vedas, serving as elaborations.

The 'divide and rule' strategy (Latin: divide et impera) is an ancient political and military tactic attributed to figures like Philip II of Macedon and Julius Caesar, and discussed by Niccolò Machiavelli, predating modern governmental structures. The caste system in India has existed for at least 3,000 years, evolving from the Vedic varna system and becoming increasingly rigid and hereditary, particularly during the medieval and colonial periods.

Despite legal abolition of caste-based discrimination in India's constitution, the system remains deeply embedded in society, with discrimination, segregation, and inequality persisting. The Dom community, belonging to the lowest rung of the Hindu caste system, performs the essential task of cremation, and their indispensable role, despite their 'untouchable' status, highlights the continued existence and discriminatory nature of the caste system.

Manusmriti 8.272 states: "If through arrogance, he teaches brāhmaṇas their duty, the king shall pour heated oil into his mouth and ears." This differs from the claim of 'molten lead' for merely 'listening to the Vedas,' although other texts or interpretations may contain similar harsh injunctions. [1][2][3]