Shudras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c13.539
Śūdras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c13.539
- Language
- English
c13.539
The *Bṛhaspati Smṛti* provides the sacraments of *karṇavedhana* (ear-boring).⁶ and *cūḍākaraṇa*⁷ (tonsure) for the śūdras. The first ceremony is not mentioned in the *Gṛhyasūtras*, but the second, which is prescribed by them⁸ and is confined by Manu⁹ to the twice-born, is now extended to the śūdras. It may be noted that the performance of *saṃskāras* or sacraments confers some prestige on a person and raises his status in brāhmaṇical society. It establishes his identity as a respectable member of