History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v4.c63.129

v4.c63.129

It has already been stated above that the king is to decide according to the smṛtis. He has also to take into consideration the duties and usages of the several varṇas and the eighteen low castes³⁸⁴ (acc. to Manu VIII. 41 and Hārīta). The eighteen low castes said to be outside the pale of the four varṇas and āśramas are enumerated by Pitāmaha, viz. washerman, shoe-maker, naṭa (dancer caste), bamboo-worker, fisherman, mleccha, bhilla, ābhīra, mātaṅga and nine others (the names of which are not given here as the text is corrupt).