Shudras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c12.279

c12.279

It seems that the vaiśyas and śūdras followed forms of marriage which were different from those of the higher varṇas. Manu quotes the opinions of authorities, according to whom the first four forms of marriage, i.e. the brahma, the daiva, the ārṣa, and the prājāpatya are prescribed for the brāhmaṇa, the rākṣasa for the kṣatriya and the āsura for the vaiśya and the śūdra.¹ He adds that the brāhmaṇa can also follow the āsura and the gāndharva, the kṣatriya can also practise the āsura, gāndharva and the paiśāca and so also the vaiśya and the śūdra.² Thus the kṣatriyas are distinguished from the vaiśyas and śūdras only by the provision that they can practise the rākṣasa form of marriage. But perhaps in this case the main object of Manu is to demarcate the brāhmaṇas from the three other varṇas. In regard to the two lower varṇas, the real position is reflected in the statement quoted by Manu and also occurring in the Ādi Parvan³ that the āsura (marriage by purchase) of the bride usually prevails among the vaiśyas and śūdras. Manu ordains that the āsura and paiśāca forms of marriage must not be practised.⁴ Kullūka comments that this rule applies to the brāhmaṇas and the kṣatriyas,⁵ which suggests that these two forms of marriage were especially meant for the two lower varṇas.