History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v4.c63.420

v4.c63.420

*Ordeal by phāla* (ploughshare). This is described by Bṛhaspati (S. B. E. vol. 33 p. 318 verse 28) quoted by the Sm. C. II. p. 119, V. P. p. 218 and others. A ploughshare of iron weighing twelve *palas*, eight *aṅgulas* long and four broad should be made red-hot and the thief should be made to lick it once with his tongue. If he is not burnt he establishes his innocence; if otherwise, he is guilty. The Vyavahāratattva (p. 608) mentions that acc. to Maithila writers the thief meant is a cattle-lifter. The ordeal mentioned in the Chāndogya Upaniṣad is a *phāla divya*.