Honorable Killers—Brahmins, Samurai, and Gentlemen

In complex premodern societies, violence, masculine honor, and belonging to elite caste groups were intertwined. Focusing on the upper castes of Bengal, the samurai of Japan, and the gentlemen of England, this chapter examines patriarchy and masculine honor to uncover common patterns in the social actions of elite men. We observe that marriages and the sexual conduct of women within these social strata were strictly controlled, and men would employ violent acts like sati, seppuku, and duels to safeguard their honor. Masculine honor acted as a form of currency, granting men entry into elite caste groups that provided a realm of privileges inaccessible to those of lower status. Maintaining and enhancing their status was of utmost significance to the affluent members of these castes, often driving them to literally kill in order to belong.