Shudras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c12.440

c12.440

Hopkins states that some of the provisions of Manu imply antagonism between the two upper varṇas on the one hand, and the two lower varṇas on the other.⁵ In this conflict it seems that the upper varṇas were led by the brāhmaṇas, and the lower varṇas were led by the śūdras. There is indication of subdued friction between the śūdras and the other varṇas even in the earlier periods. But in the post-Mauryan period it assumed acute and violent forms. In a study of Manu it has been claimed that economic inequality and friction could hardly arise in a society planned on Indian lines.⁶ But this is not borne out by the nature of relations subsisting between the varṇas on the basis of Manu. The latter clearly states that a śūdra should not be permitted to amass wealth, for he gives pain to the brāhmaṇas.⁷