The Cambridge History of India, Vol. I: Ancient India v1.c23.25

v1.c23.25

Treason of all kinds is punishable by death, whether it consist in attacking the king or falsifying an edict or bribing the ministers of the king or helping his foes (Manu, IX, 232, etc.). Instead of other penalties, the guilty man, especially a priest, may be outcasted, that is, formally thrown out or banned from society, for in losing his caste he loses all social rights; though in certain cases through established ceremonies he may be taken back. One who is outcast loses all right to primogeniture, inheritance, etc.²