Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346 – A.D. 1646) v2.c21.s1.t2.2

v2.c21.s1.t2.2

That there was nothing new in the Government of Vijayanagara adjusting the social differences of the people is seen when we examine the measures which earlier rulers took to settle allied questions relating to society. From the fourteenth year of Rājādhirāja II, for example, it was declared (evidently by the State) that a woman who was wedded to a person, was entitled, on his demise, to become the owner of the lands, slaves, jewels, or other valuables, and the cattle of her deceased husband; that if before his death, he made default and had his lands sold, the purchaser had the right of the lands and slaves that belonged to the deceased; that Brahmans should not till lands with bulls yoked to the plough; that those classes that were engaged as labourers should not become *vēḷ* and *araśu*; that *kāviḍis*, potters, drummers, weavers, and barbers should not keep locks of hair; that during their mourning or joyous occasions big drums (*bērigai*) should not be taken; and that they should not possess slaves. Further, bullocks grazing near the village channels should be impounded in pens erected for the purpose; and cattle-stands or house-sites of the village should not be converted into paddy fields. Finally, it was also ordered that potters, who made small lamps and pots, and sold them, should wear an upper cloth.¹