The Social Organisation in North-East India in Buddha's Time c17.58

c17.58

On account of the lowness of such services, the slave himself was considered of little worth by a master who treated him humanely. The female slave Puṇṇâ receives from her master, the purohita, who asks her what she wishes, the epithet jammî “ the low, contemptible.” “ Son of a slave ” (dâsiputtra) was a term of reproach; when in the Nigrodha Jâtaka (IV. 41) the senâpati is informed that his friend is there, he comes in angrily and cries, “ Who is that friend? He is a despised son of a slave. Throw him out!” “ Servant of a slave’s son ” (dâsiputtaceṭaka I. 225)—so addresses in the Nanda Jâtaka the bold slave his master.