History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v4.c63.t2.838.5

v4.c63.t2.838.5

The following propositions follow from the above discussion: (1) As the word ‘dvija’ is used a śūdra or a person of the mixed castes (*saṅkīrṇa-jāti*) does not become unfit for social intercourse even by habitually undertaking a sea voyage, but he may have to undergo a prāyaścitta; (2) a dvija who casually undertakes a sea voyage to a place outside India either at the king's bidding or for any other purpose has to undergo a prāyaścitta, but if he does so he becomes fit for social intercourse; (3) a dvija habitually undertaking a sea voyage for trade or as a sailor would become unfit for intercourse even after undergoing prāyaścitta. Manu IX. 314, when enlarging upon the devastating power of brāhmaṇas, mentions that the sea was made undrinkable by brāhmaṇas, which, according to Medhātithi and other commentators, has in view the story in Śānti 343.60-61. It is difficult to say whether this story had any influence in leading to the prohibition against sea voyage.