The Positive Background of Hindu Sociology c9.s6.3

c9.s6.3

We need not forget that the Vaiśya who is described there as “fit to be eaten” is likewise somebody in his own field. Nay, the Śūdra, who is “dependent on others,” is “not created after any gods” and is “not fit for the sacrifice”, is also important enough to be regarded as somebody. His position in the social economy is at least equal to that of the horse, as we are told. Thus the question of inferiority in the cases of the Vaiśya and the Śūdra cannot come in automatically. We are to understand from the *Taittirīya Samhitā* “award” simply that each serves a distinct function in the social complex.