Shudras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c3.1

c3.1

Since the publication of the book in 1958, the critical edition of the *Mahābhārata* has been completed, and a couple of studies on the text of the *Arthaśāstra* of Kauṭilya have appeared. Proto-historical and historical archaeology has also made considerable advance, and new dimensions have been added to the anthropological studies of social differentiation and to the historical studies of several ancient societies. In the light of all this as well as in the light of published reviews and comments, certain portions have been modified. Some explanation has been offered for the proliferation of servile castes in the form of two appendices. Most chapter headings have been changed, and several chapters heavily recast. The concluding chapter has been rewritten, and the bibliography updated.