Aparajitaprucchha

SR No.: 008438
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: B Bhattacharya
Publisher: Oriental Research Institute Vadodra
Total Pages: 810
Language: Sanskrit, Hindi
Classification: Book_Devnagari, Culture, & Art
File Size: 12 MB

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spheres of life, is not without a further corroborative evidence. The
Guiariti, derived, of course, from ag is not only suggestive but offers a clue as to the function of these Vasus.
The term qarat, as it is understood to connote, even at the present day, in Gujarati, includes a few artificers and art-workers, in its contracted sense, such as potters, carpenters, masons, blacksmiths, painters, etc. A closer study, moreover, reveals that the term had a very broad significance, as it cmbraced a wide range of workersfabricators of objects of prime necessity required in the ceremonials of the Hindu society.
It may be added that the marriage ceremonials of the Talis at least, in Kathiawad, even upto the present day have upheld the respectable part played by these art-workers (199041s)
Allusion to some relevant features of the ceremony will make the point more clear.
The marriage ceremoney is performed by the grirea and the various articles required in the performance of the rituals have to be supplied by workers in different branches of art, e.g.,
0481 (a lamp) is supplied by a blacksmith.
at (earthern pots used in the formation of the ael) is furnished by potters.
माणिक्यस्तंभ (a wooden pillar used in the foundation stone of the वेदी) and arts (a wooden seat for ablution etc.) are supplied by carpenters.
An iinage of net is engraved on stone by a sculptor. 757 (ivory bangles) is turned ont by ivory workers.
It is evident froin the above that the part which is play in the ceremonial is as significant as the one assigned to these workers, and rightly are the dues either in kind or cash of these people assured by ritual injunctions. Just as the Alans who officiate as priests in these ceremonials have their services rewarded by certain dues, so have the workers their due share of gifts in return for the services they render in procuring the various necessaries required in the ceremonials.
These social dues have acquired in course of time a unique place in the ceremonial injunctions due to thc hesitancy of requisite payment on the part of the performers of ceremonies. These dues have on that account, perforce, to be disembursed with sanctimonious rigidity so much so that unless the due share of these artificers, in the matter of remuneration, is fully paid off, by the parties concerned, the actual registration of the consummation of marriage cannot be recorded. The respectability of these artificers has been maintained by the great hold which canonical rules exercise over the laity even upto the present day.