Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s7.267

v2.c4.s7.267

The relations and functions of the castes are well summed up in a passage of the Aitareya Brāhmaṇa,⁶⁹ which treats of them as opposed to the Kṣatriya. The Brāhmaṇa is a receiver of gifts (ā-dāyī), a drinker of Soma (ā-pāyī), a seeker of food (āvasāyī),⁷⁰ and liable to removal at will (yathākāma-prayāpyaḥ).⁷¹ The Vaiśya is tributary to another (anyasya balikṛt), to be lived on by another (anyasyādyah), and to be oppressed at will (yathākāma-jyeyah).⁷² The Śūdra is the servant of another (anyasya presyah), to be expelled at will (kāmotthāpyah), and to be slain at pleasure (*yathākāma-vadhyah*).⁷³ The descriptions seem calculated to show the relation of each of the castes to the Rājanya. Even the Brāhmaṇa he can control, whilst the Vaiśya is his inferior and tributary, whom he can remove without cause from his land,⁷⁴ but who is still free, and whom he cannot maim or slay without due process. The Śūdra has no rights of property or life against the noble, especially the king.