[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) › c13.49 # Shudras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c13.49 Śūdras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c13.49 - **Language:** English ### [c13.49](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c13.49) The bhṛtakas (wage earners) were divided by Nārada and Bṛhaspati into three categories : i.e. those who served in the army, those who were engaged in agriculture and those who carried loads from place to place.¹ The first were considered the best, the second the middle, and the third the lowest type of workers.² - [Previous: c13.48](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c13.48) - [Next: c13.50](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c13.50) - [Up: c13](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c13) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c13.49](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c13.49) · Pramāṇa