Shudras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c12.462

c12.462

Lastly, Manu’s mention of Vasiṣṭha as the progenitor of the śūdras points to their better social and religious position.³ The fact that the śūdras could perform the nāmadheya (naming) ceremony⁴ shows that they gained in religious status. This may have also improved on account of the liberal religious outlook of the Kuṣāṇa rulers. Being mainly Śaivites and Buddhists rather than supporters of the orthodox brāhmaṇism, they were probably better disposed towards the lower classes. Similar results may have been produced in the Sātavāhana dominions, where Buddhism undoubtedly enjoyed an important influence during the first and second centuries A.D.