Sambodhi 2006 Vol 30

Author(s): J B Shah, N M Kansara
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 15

Vol. XXX, 2006
HISTORY AND LEGAL PRINCIPLES OF UśANAS
Others:
In Jīvānanda's collection of Smrtis there is an Aušanasa-dharmasastra in 51 verses (Pt. I. pp. 497-501)/ It deals with mixed castes and their avocations, such as sūta, māgadha, cāndāla, śvapaca, pulinda etc. The same work occurs in Anandāśrama collection, pp. 46-48.63 For their livelihood, Mitāksarā on Y. 1.94 remarks that the means of livelihood for the mixed castes should be sought for in the works of Uśanas and Manu.64 Kullūka on Manu X.49 also speaks of the means of their livelihood as sale of hides and working on hides ware which is attributed to Aušanasa.65
We find many references in minor Dharmaśātras to impure food of washermen, actors, those who lived by singing and playing on musical instruments etc.66 These people were regarded as impure and dvijas are prohibited to have sexual intercourse with the wives of such people. They will go for penances in the case of doing such action.67
According to Ušanas those who lived from singing and playing on musical instruments should also be put in the category of impurity. 68
Śrāddha:
Uśanas is quoted in this context in Smrticandrikā. Kalpataru (Grhasthakānda ) quotes it 8 times; in Srāddha 18 times ( 8 times in prose); in Vyavahāra 11 times; (all verses, except on prose passage on p. 814 on anuloma unions) and 6 times in Niyatakāla.69
Women
Grhasthakānda:
For the opinion of Uśanas in this regard, See: Śrāddha
According to Uśanas, dogs, Vaisya(vit)?, boar, cat, dog, mangoose, Sūdra, a lady in menses and the husbands of sūdra should be avoided. It occurs in Smrticandrikā also. Animals
According to Uśanas, dogs, Vaiśya(vit)?, boar, cat, dog, mangoose. Śūdra, a lady in menses and the husbands of sūdra should be avoided. It occurs in Smrticandrikā also.