Shudras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c13.654

c13.654

Tantricism, which was connected with both Vaiṣṇavism and Śaivism, also did not recognise varṇa distinctions in matters of religion. The Jayākhya-saṃhitā, a Tantra work of the fith century A.D.,³ permits members of all the four varṇas to be initiated into Tantricism, preferably by a brāhmaṇa;⁴ if a brāhmaṇa is not available, worthy members of the kṣatriya, vaiśya and śūdra varṇas can act as initiators for their respective classes, or for people of lower classes.⁵