[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) › c13.438 # Shudras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c13.438 Śūdras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c13.438 - **Language:** English ### [c13.438](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c13.438) The view that members of the higher varṇas can take wives from the members of the lower varṇas is expressed in the texts of this period also.² But there also recurs the idea that wives from the lowest order, i.e. śūdras, are to be espoused for the sake of pleasure.³ The Kāmasūtra does not differentiate the maid servants, kumbhadāsis (maid servants employed in carrying water or harlots?) and wives of washermen and weavers from the prostitutes.⁴ According to this work intercourse with a śūdra woman is neither prohibited nor considered wise.⁵ Vātsyāyana commends marriage within one's own varṇa.⁶ In particular, the idea that the brāhmaṇa should wed a śūdrā, or have intercourse with her or beget sons on her, is strongly discounted in the texts of the period.⁷ But there are cases of deviations from this rule. In the Mṛcchakaṭika the brāhmaṇa Cārudatta marries the prostitute Vasantasenā, although this is done with the special permission of the king.⁸ The same drama represents the brāhmaṇa Śarvilaka as marrying his slave Madanikā.⁹ The literature of the period also supplies instances of kṣatriyas marrying śūdra women.¹⁰ - [Previous: c13.437](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c13.437) - [Next: c13.439](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c13.439) - [Up: c13](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c13) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c13.438](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c13.438) · Pramāṇa