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explained. Suffice it to say for the present that the theory put forth by Ambedkar fails to explain it. Basbam's views
Prof. A.L. Basham supports the view in a way with the remark that "certain classes of outcastes and untouchables seemed to have gained their unenviable position through the growth of the sentiment of non-violence.” The examples are the Nişāda, the Kaivarta and the Karavar who were hunters, fishermen and leather-workers respectively. The Pukkasa appear as sweepers in the Buddhist literature. They were degraded according to Basham because they made and sold alcoholic liquor. It is also notable that Basham concludes from the Buddhist literature and early Dharmasūtras that untouchability had come about several centuries before Christ. 19
We can accept the view if it is established that: 1. All the occupations of the untouchables are evil according to
Buddhism and Jainism. 2. The Buddhists and Jainas bad denied access to their fold to
people who pursued those occupations. 3. Untouchability was born during the period Buddhism and
Jainism held sway, neither before nor after that.
The third point has been discussed earlier and it has been found that untouchability was born before Buddha and Mabāvira. That strikes at the root of Basbam's views. We now proceed to discuss the first two points. Forbidden Occupations
Occupations deemed evil by Buddhism are mentioned in the Angu Harapikāya. Five kinds of occupations are forbidden there, namely, trade in weapons, trade in living beings, trade in meat, trade in liquors and trade in poisons. They are forbidden because they arc opposed to the five rules every Buddhist has to observe. The Lakkhaṇasutta of the Dighanikāya denounces theft, robbery, cheating, killing, tying, amputating etc, as evil deeds. Pursuit of palmistry and astrology to earn a living is also not allowed to a Buddhist.
Nobody was, however, hated for such occupations and denied admission to Buddhism. Anyone could give up evil occupations and become a Buddhist. As a matter of fact, many gave up occupations and become Buddhist monks and nuns. Works of some of the persons were held in bigh esteem and collected in the Therigātha and Theragatha. Satı (fisherman), Sunsta (Pukkasat) and Champa (daughter of a hunter) are instances to the point. Wanting to con.
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