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śramaņa, Vol 55, No. 1-6/January-June 2004
society because arms are seen in the body on the second level, according to the hight of body. The Vaiśya class has the third social position because thighs have the third hight in body. The Sudra class is on the lowest level of social status because legs are the lowest parts of body. The different duties of these classes have been prescribed by the Hindu social thinkers.
(1) The Brāhmaṇa class has to do its six duties -
(a) To perform Yajña, (b) To guide others in performing Yajña, (c) To study, (d) To teach, (e) To take charity and (0) To give charity.
(2) To rule over nation and to provide safety to it are the duties of Kșattriya class
(3) Agriculture and business have been prescribed as the duties of Vaiśya class.
(4) Sarvices to other three classes have been declared as the duty of Sudra class.
Bhīşma Pitāmaha, in the Santiparva of the Mahābhārata, while discussing the different duties of four varņas (classes) has said -
"Prajapati (Creator) has created Sudras only to serve other three classes of society. To be at their services is the supreme duty of Sudras. They should not try to achieve property. If they earn wealth, that causes sin on their parts. Some Śūdra of religious nature may perform some religious activity being permitted by king. The upper three classes should give to Sudras their umbrellas, turbans, shoes, fans and clothings which have been already used by them"24
According to ancient social rules - Sūdras are those who have no right to study. Śūdras are those who have no right to earn money.
Sudras are those who have no right to perform any religious activity.
Śudras are those who are neglected. Sūdras are those who are tortured by other three classes.
In short Śūdras are those who being human beings do not enjoy any human treatment. They have been being illtreated since primitive
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