[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [Shudras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958) › c13.255 # Shudras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c13.255 Śūdras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c13.255 - **Language:** English ### [c13.255](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c13.255) Generally the śūdras continued to perform minor administrative tasks. Kāmandaka repeats the view of Kauṭilya that domestic servants should act as spies in reporting the activities of high state officials.² Nārada provides that the caṇḍālas, executioners (\*vādhakas\*) and similar persons should be employed in tracking down thieves inside the village, and that those living outside the village should search for them outside.³ - [Previous: c13.254](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c13.254) - [Next: c13.256](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c13.256) - [Up: c13](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c13) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c13.255](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c13.255) · Pramāṇa