[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [The Social Organisation in North-East India in Buddha's Time](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.fick-1897) › c14.140 # The Social Organisation in North-East India in Buddha's Time c14.140 The Social Organisation in North-East India in Buddha's Time c14.140 - **Language:** English ### [c14.140](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.fick-1897.c14.140) As at the birth of a child, so also on other occasions, the Brâhmaṇas know how to find out from the physical signs of any ordinary mortal what is hidden from view. As \*aṅgavijjâpâthakas\*,¹ they are in a position to judge from the external appearance not only the future of a man but also his worth, his character. For this reason, the king sends Brâhmaṇas, as narrated in the Ummadantî Jâtaka (V. 211), to the house of the father, a rich seṭṭhi who offers his extremely beautiful daughter, Ummadantî² to him, in order that they may examine the offered beauty. In a most charming manner it is described how the Brahmanas perform their mission. Whilst they, after an honourable reception, are engaged in eating their porridge, Ummadantî appears, decked with all her jewellery. The effect of the sight of her makes it impossible to entertain any favourable opinion of the strength of character of the Brâhmaṇas; they lose their self-control and seized with passion, forget that they have not yet finished their meal. - [Previous: c14.139](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.fick-1897.c14.139) - [Next: c14.141](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.fick-1897.c14.141) - [Up: c14](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.fick-1897.c14) ## Cites (2) - [Jātakatthavaṇṇanā](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.theravada.sp.khuddaka.jataka!jatakatthavannana*cst.18.2.p2) — Pāli - [Jātaka](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.theravada.sp.khuddaka.jataka) — Pāli --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.fick-1897.c14.140](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.fick-1897.c14.140) · Pramāṇa