The History and Culture of the Indian People v1.c19.s3.t2.19

v1.c19.s3.t2.19

The Māgadha is brought into close connection with the Vrātya in the mystical hymn of the *Atharvaveda* where he is celebrated as a type of the supreme power in the universe. The *Yajurveda* includes the Vrātya in the list of victims at Purushamedha (human sacrifice). The Vrātyas were regarded as outcastes, and the *Atharvaveda*, *Pañchaviṁśa Brāhmaṇa*, and the Sūtras describe a certain rite intended to secure for them admission into the Brāhmaṇa fold. The Vrātyas were a nomadic tribe (*Vrāta*) and neither studied the Vedas, nor ploughed the land, nor traded. Their nomad life is further suggested by their going about in rough wagons, with herds of goats, wearing turbans and wielding a particular kind of bow.