Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c9.12

c9.12

Gautama, however, is deeply concerned to maintain the supremacy of Dvijas and to keep Śūdras in the lowest position. If a Śūdra hears, recites or remembers Vedic texts, he must be visited with terrible tortures. If in conversation or on the road, in sitting or in lying down, he assumes a position equal to that of the twice-born, he must be punished.⁵