The Positive Background of Hindu Sociology c14.s9.t1.32

c14.s9.t1.32

Among the persons from whose tortures the king is to protect the people are enumerated the Kāyasthas. This passage from Yājnavalkya (I. 334) is interpreted by Chaṇḍeśvara (ch. XI) as follows: "The Kāyasthas are *lekhakāh* or writers, i.e. scribes, *gaṇakāh*, book keepers or accountants. On account of their *rājavallabhatā* (favoured or privileged position with the king) and *māyāvitayā* (personal influence) they are *durnivāra* (difficult to avoid or control). This is why the people has to be protected *viśeṣatah* (specially) from the Kāyasthas."