Hindu Law and Custom (Recht und Sitte) c8.72

c8.72

Even simple interest is deprecated. Also taking interest apart from all other considerations, even without exceeding the allowed rates, is a means of livelihood of doubtful quality (Nār. 1,46) and according to Bṛh. 11,2 interest is called Kusida because it is extorted from a hard pressed man by a centemptible (Kutsita) person. This means of livelihood is however permitted to the Vaiśya and in Āpaddharma, the law in the time of distress, we find along with the above-mentioned prohibition also the laxer view that in such times even Brahmans may live by lending money at interest (M. 10, 116 f.; Y. 3, 42).