Shudras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c13.662

c13.662

Appropriate anecdotes are cited to support the above theory. In the *Vana Parvan* occurs the legend of the brāhmaṇa ṛṣi Kauśika who was taught the duties of the varṇas and code of moral conduct to be followed by them by a dharma-knowing fowler.⁷ It is claimed by the *dharmavyādha* of Mithilā that he served elders and superiors, always spoke the truth, never envied anybody, used to make gifts according to his means, and lived upon what was left after the service of the gods, the guests and his dependents. He never spoke ill of any one and he hated none.⁸ It is argued that this anecdote is Buddhistic,⁹ but the