Shudras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c9.171

c9.171

Whether the alternative meanings suggested above represent the true state of affairs is difficult to determine. This is because Book VII of the *Aitareya Brāhmaṇa*, in which the passage in question occurs, is a later part.² It would not be surprising if some of the epithets here applied to the various varṇas were used by a discarded priest to ingratiate himself into the favour of his patron king. It is not without significance that even a brāhmaṇa is described as one to be removed at will. In such a case the position of other varṇas can be well imagined.