[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) › c9.72 # Shudras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c9.72 Śūdras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c9.72 - **Language:** English ### [c9.72](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c9.72) The śūdras seem to have played a correspondingly important part in the political life of the period. In the formative stage of the Indo-Āryan polity they enjoyed a considerable share in the functions of the state. It is striking that they found place in the exalted body of about a dozen ‘high functionaries of the state’⁵ called \*ratnins\* (jewel-holders), which may be compared to the council of twelve, an institution of great antiquity among several Indo-European peoples such as the Old Saxons, Frisians, Celts etc.⁶ The \*ratnins\* were so important that on the occasion of the \*rājasūya\* sacrifice the king had to repair to their houses to perform the ceremonies of offering jewels to various gods. - [Previous: c9.71](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c9.71) - [Next: c9.73](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c9.73) - [Up: c9](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c9) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c9.72](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sharma-1958.c9.72) · Pramāṇa