[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) › c8.71 # Shudras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c8.71 Śūdras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c8.71 - **Language:** English ### [c8.71](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c8.71) The fight between the Āryans and their opponents mainly took the form of the destruction of the fortresses and walled settlements of the latter. Both the Dāsas and Dasyus were in possession of numerous fortified settlements,¹ which are also associated with the enemies of the Āryans in a general way.² This naturally reminds us of the later discoveries of fortifications in the Harappā settlements,³ although so far we have not been able to get any clear archaeological evidence of mass-scale confrontation between the Āryans and the Harappans. It seems that the nomadic Āryans coveted the wealth of their enemies accumulated in the settlements, for the possession of which there went on a regular warfare between them.⁴ The worshipper expects that all those who make no oblation should be killed and their wealth should be given to the people.⁵ The Dasyus are described as rich (\*dhaninaḥ\*) but without sacrifice.⁶ Mention is made of two Dāsa chiefs who are called wealth-seeking.⁷ Desire is expressed that through Indra⁸ the might of the Dāsa be subdued, and his collected wealth be divided among the people. The Dasyus also possessed jewels and gold, which probably excited the greed of the Āryans.⁹ But to a people of cattle culture such as the Āryans it was primarily the cattle of their enemies which held the greatest temptation. Thus it is argued that the Kīkaṭas, who probably lived in Haryana, do not deserve to have cows because they make no use of milk products in the sacrifice.¹⁰ On the other hand it is likely that the enemies of the Āryans valued the horses and chariots of the latter. A Ṛg Vedic legend tells us that the Asuras had captured the city of a royal sage named Dadhīti, but on their retreat were intercepted and defeated by Indra, who recovered cattle, horses and chariots and restored them to the prince.¹ - [Previous: c8.70](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c8.70) - [Next: c8.72](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c8.72) - [Up: c8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c8) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c8.71](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c8.71) · Pramāṇa