The Social Organisation in North-East India in Buddha's Time c17.15

c17.15

Like the latter, they were paid by the king; like these they were attached to the king's service which they could not quit against the wish of their master. Whoever among them—like the court barber in the Gaṅgamâla Jâtaka—wants to lead the homeless life, must get the permission of the king (râjânaṃ pabbajjaṃ anujânâpetva, III. 452). But they are distinguished from the râjabhoggas or râjaññas, by which I understand only the "royal officers," by their purely private character. They hold no public position and their work is confined to personal service which they render to the king and his family.