[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India)](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930) › v7.c83.22 # History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v7.c83.22 History of Dharmaśāstra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v7.c83.22 - **Language:** English ### [v7.c83.22](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930.v7.c83.22) Ethical standards are the only criteria for the distinction between high and low among men. Purity of conduct elevates a man even as impurity degrades him All other distinctions are irrelevant The \*Chāndogya Upaniṣad\* refers to \*patitas\*. The Cāṇḍālas are those given to stealing, drinking, adultery and murder. These four are fallen \*ete patanti catvāraḥ\*.² A \*patita\*, a fallen man, is a wicked man, a small-minded selfish man, not an untouchable. - [Previous: v7.c83.21](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930.v7.c83.21) - [Next: v7.c83.23](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930.v7.c83.23) - [Up: v7.c83](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930.v7.c83) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930.v7.c83.22](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930.v7.c83.22) · Pramāṇa