The Social and Military Position of the Ruling Caste in Ancient India, as Represented by the Sanskrit Epic c2.s6.36

c2.s6.36

‡ We have to distinguish the military *na hantavyāḥ* rule, quoted above, and the technical *avadhyāḥ*, i. 217. 4. The latter case is plainly stated in i. 158. 31 : ‘in the verdict of law the law-knowers say that a woman is not to be exposed to *vadha*.’ Compare also ii. 41. 13, *strīṣu na ćastram pātayet*. On the other hand, compare the horrible death-penalty of an adulteress (see below).