Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 176

Sec. I]
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SŪTRA
151
(Mahana),1 the Ksatriyas, (Khattiya), the mercantile class (Vaniya), the householders (Gahāvai), and other castes of lower order, such as, barbar (Kasavaga), potter (Kumbhakāra)," weaver (Tamtuvaya), blacksmith," painter (Mankha), hunter,10 bearers of palanquin and Caṇḍālas, marked out by their respective occupations.
But there is no reference to the Vaisyas and the $ūdras anywhere in the BhS, probably the Gahavais and the mercantile class belonged to the Vaisya caste, while the other communities of lower grade formed the rank of the Sudras, the fourth Varna. Different Castes and their respective positions
The BhS throws sufficient light upon the functions and social positions of the above mentioned castes and clearly differentiates their respective status, occupations, obligations, duties and privileges in matters both spiritual and secular.
Functions and social position of the Brāhmaṇas (Māhaṇa)1a
In the society the Brahmanas appear as rich householders"11, officiators at worship,15 propitiators 16 (Balikario), interpreters of marks of dream (Suviṇalakkaṇapāḍhaga)" and ascetics.18
1 Bhs 9, 33, 380; 15, 1, 540; 15, 1, 541; 18, 10, 647. 2 Ib. 9, 33, 383; 11, 9, 417; 12, 2, 441; 13, 6, 491.
3 Ib. 11, 11, 424; 15, 1, 547; 18, 2, 618.
4 Ib, 15, 1, 541.
5 Ib. 9, 33, 385.
8 Ib, 16, 1. 564.
11 Ib, 9, 33, 385.
7 Ib, 15, 1, 541.
10 Ib, 5, 6, 206.
12 Ib, 3, 1, 134. (Pāna)
18 The term 'Mahana' used in the Bhs denotes the Brahmana
their
as distinguished by some Jaina texts according to respective views. Thus it is stated in the Acaranga Curni (p. 5; also Cf. Ib, 213 f) that on the refusal of the Jaina monks invited by king Bharata to take share in a feast arranged by him, he entertained the savagas who were very simple, virtuous and kind hearted. Whenever they found any body killing some beings, they prevented him from doing this cruel act by saying thus "Ma hana" from which the term 'Mahana' is said to have been derived, See also Vasudevahindi (p. 184) and Paumacariu of Vimalsūri (4, 75-78) for its derivation according to their respective views. 14 Bhs, 9, 33, 380; 15, 1, 540, 541. 15 Ib, 18, 10, 647. 17 Ib, 11, 11, 428.
16 Ib, 11, 11, 430.
18 16, 2, 1, 90; 8, 6, 332; 11, 9, 417; 9, 33, 382.
6 Ib, 15, 1, 539 9 Ib, 15, 1, 540.