Shudras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c12.248

c12.248

In some sense domestic slaves were treated as members of the family. Manu enjoins the head of the household not to enter into discussions with his parents, sister, daughter-in law, brother, wife, son, daughter and dāsa.¹ Stating the reason for this he points out that wife and son are parts of the body of the householder,² that the daughter deserves kindness, and that the class of slaves forms his own shadow. Hence Manu instructs that, even if these people insult the householder, he should calmly put up with them.³ Does this suggest that the old family solidarity suffered a temporary break-down? For it sounds curious that this lawgiver should ask the master to pocket the insults given by his slaves.