[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) › c13.98 # Shudras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c13.98 Śūdras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c13.98 - **Language:** English ### [c13.98](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c13.98) Nārada states that in local disputes a class of people known as the vargins may be called as witnesses in cases concerning their respective classes.¹ According to Kātyāyana, among those to whom the term \*nāyaka\* applies are the leaders (\*nāyakas\*) of dāsas.² Thus the prevalence of organisation among slaves may have further weakened the institution of slavery. - [Previous: c13.97](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c13.97) - [Next: c13.99](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c13.99) - [Up: c13](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c13) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c13.98](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c13.98) · Pramāṇa