Shudras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c9.24

c9.24

Since the śūdras appear in post-Vedic times mainly as the serving class, we will begin the study of their position in the later Vedic period with an inquiry into their economic conditions. In an early reference they are described as being in possession of cattle, which could be taken away by the people of the higher varṇas for sacrifice.⁵ This is corroborated by another reference in an early Brāhmaṇa, in which the śūdra is represented as being born without god and sacrifice, but owning many cattle (*bahu-paśuḥ*).¹ It is obvious that such śūdras, as held independent property in cattle, which seem still to have been the chief form of wealth, may not have been under the necessity to serve others.