India as Known to Panini: A Study of the Cultural Material in the Ashtadhyayi c12.s6.13

c12.s6.13

The *Vrātyas* were more backward in their political organisation than the *Pūgas*. They were subordinate to a leader distinguished by his *nishka* ornament of silver (*nishko rājataḥ*, *Kātyāyana*, XXI.138; *Vedic Index*, II.344). Like the *Pūgas*, their leader also seems to have been called a *Grāmaṇī* (V.3.112). In the *Saṁyutta Nikāya*, a *yodhājīva gāmaṇi* discourses with the Buddha (IV.308-09). From his talk it appears that there were many old *āchāryas* among them who themselves being soldiers held out to those dying in action the hope of becoming one with the Sarañjita Devas (the gods of "Passionate Delight", *D.P.P.N.*, II.1068). This agrees with the description of the *Lāṭyāyana Śr.* which draws a distinction between the *yaudhas* (warriors) and the *arhants* or teachers or priests wearing red turbans. (cf. Patañjali's *lohītoshṇīshāḥ ṛitvijaḥ, Bhāshya*, I.1.27; I.86; also *Kāt. Śr.*, XXII.3.15).