Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c9.5

c9.5

Gautama, probably the earliest of the Sūtra writers, begins by declaring that the source of the sacred law lies in the Veda and in the tradition and practice of those who know the Veda. But the violence and transgressions observable in the conduct of great men in the past are not to be followed, for now people had grown weaker.³ Gautama accepts the traditional Varṇāśrama system—the four castes and the four stages of life—and wants it to be enforced by the king. But he allows wide relaxation of the rules in "distress," that is, in emergency. Then Brāhmaṇas may study under non-Brāhmaṇas, and may follow the occupations of Kṣatriyas and, failing that, of Vaiśyas, though he should abstain from dealing in a number of articles like perfumes, prepared food, roots, flowers, meat, etc., etc. But in dire emergency even these restrictions do not hold.