Caste and Race in India c8.148

c8.148

The later theory of pollution by contact and its limits finds its first mention in Vṛddhahārīta who observes that the effect of contact is limited to three persons, the fourth person if touched being free. A regulation of Atri about touch-pollution fully breathes the later spirit. In sacrificial sessions, in religious and marriage processions, and on all festive occasions there is no question of untouchability.³