Shudras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c12.388
Śūdras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c12.388
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c12.388
The emergence of Vaiṣṇavism as an important sect during this period offered the śūdras an option, and they could get rid of some religious disabilities imposed on them by the brāhmaṇical system. The cult of Viṣṇu promised salvation to vaiśyas, śūdras and women. The Greek and Kuṣāṇa princes who had turned Vaiṣṇava may have adopted a more liberal religious policy towards the śūdras. This is possibly the reason why the princes of foreign connections ruling in India are dubbed śūdras in the epics and Purāṇas.