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SOCIAL CONDITIONS
323
Batuka Kapila was a typical orthodox Brahmin. He used to bring fruits and sticks of wood (samiha) to perform daily scrifical rites. The sacred fire remained kindled in his house (aggihottagharam). He would daily go to the forest, bring the darbha grass, holding a Kamandalu in his hand1. He would not allow improper persons to enter his house to avoid impurification of his residence (35.5.27).
Two Vipra brothers, Indhana and Pallava are said to be devoted to the duty of accepting alms and offering gifts 'bhikkādāņujjaya' (58. 5).
Kṣirakadamba is mentioned to be a teachar who taught the Aranyaka sastras (11. 8-9). Airakucchi was the teacher of the sons of Dasaratha (25. 18-24).
Purohitas formed a distinct class among the Brahmins because of their duty, of officiating at sacrifices. They are referred to be descending to the hells on account of officiating at animal-sacrifices (purohiya homakarapujjuttā 14. 16). Many Brahmins are mentioned to be vouchsafing and liberally taking part in the cermony of an animal sacrifice which was being performed by king Marutta (11. 47).
Vimuci wandered from place to place for receiving alms (dakkhiņākankhi 30. 63). Giribhuti and Gobhūti were favoured with gifts by a queen (55. 36).
The above mentioned Batuka Kapila is a typical example of a greedy Brahmin (Ch. 37).
Occupations and position :-The primary means of their livelihood were (bhikkha) begging-alms, receiving presents from kings and other persons when they officiated at sacrificial ceremonies. They also worked as counsellors to the kings. Hemanka was bestowed with gifts on account of his intelligent advice to the king (sampavio ya riddhi apegadāṇābhimaneņam 77.80). Dasaratha offered valuable presents to the teacher of his sons and honoured him greatly (sammāņadāņavibhaveņa 25.36). Bhargava on account of his learning held a position of respect among the kings and became abundantly rich (dhanariddhisampautto savvanarināņa aipujjo 77.83). They also held the eniviable position of royal priests (5.31;26.6;82.37;41.45;5.105). The learned Brahmins used to hold debates on religion with their opponents
1.
Manu lays down that a Brahmin snataka should always keep with him a bamboo-staff, a Kamandalu of water, sacred thread, Vedas, golden earrings, a girdle and a deer-skin (4. 36; 2. 64),
