Samar M.
"Hammurabi, the exalted prince, who feared God, to bring about the rule of righteousness in the land, to destroy the wicked and the evil-doers; so that the strong should not harm the weak..." (PSI Hammurabi Code)
This excerpt comes from a government document found from the PSI. It describes the purpose and rule of Hammurabi who is credited with one of the first law codes for social stability. Hammurabi was the king of Babylon from 1790 to 1750 BCE. In the text numerous names of gods are mentioned and the boundary between politics and religion has fused together. This comes from the point of view of one who is viewing himself as divine. He believes he serves the purpose of justice. The audience is his people, he is reassuring and speaks of unity and authority. Under his rule the "eye for an eye" concept was spread and applied to society.
"What do they call his mouth, his arms? What do they call his thighs and feet? The brahmin was his mouth, of both his arms was the kshatriya made. His thighs became the vaishya, from his feet the shudra was produced." (PSI Rig Veda)
This excerpt comes from the rig Veda on the PSI. It is a religious text forming the basis of te very strict social classes that once made up India's society. It played a key component in Hinduism as many adhered to Hinduism in hopes of being able to be reborn in a higher social caste. The speaker is what one might consider a messenger delivering the word of god. The occasion is the creation of the caste systems by godly power. The audience would be anyone in the society in which the caste system is installed. The purpose is to tie religion and social status which is exemplified in this text. Religion became a part of the entire social system.