Public Administration in Ancient India c5.30

c5.30

A few words may be said here in regard to a system connected with the caste-system. This was the Āsrama-dharma. Under this system there were four stages in the life of every person belonging to the three higher grades, namely, student (Brahmacārin), householder (Gṛihastha), hermit (Vānaprastha), and ascetic (Parivrājaka).¹ This system undoubtedly tended to promote the efficiency of society, but it was not free from practical difficulties; and it does not seem that the rules laid down in regard to this institution were ever very strictly observed.