Shudras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c8.41

c8.41

Since the śūdras were regarded as the labouring class, in this study particular attention has been paid to the investigation of their material conditions and the nature of their economic and social relations with the members of the higher varṇas. This has naturally involved the study of the position of slaves, with whom the śūdras were considered identical. The untouchables are also theoretically placed in the category of śūdras, and hence their origin and position has also been discussed in some detail.