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256
LAWS OF MANU.
VIII, 21.
21. The kingdom of that monarch, who looks on while a Sudra settles the law, will sink (low), like a cow in a morass.
22. That kingdom where Sudras are very numerous, which is infested by atheists and destitute of twice-born (inhabitants), soon entirely perishes, afflicted by famine and disease.
23. Having occupied the seat of justice, having covered his body, and having worshipped the guardian deities of the world, let him, with a collected mind, begin the trial of causes.
24. Knowing what is expedient or inexpedient, what is pure justice or injustice, let him examine the causes of suitors according to the order of the castes (varna).
act required by the sacred law' (Kull., Râgh.), or one who has not been initiated' (Nar.). Brâhmanabruval, one who merely calls himself a Brâhmana (though his origin be doubtful,' Kull., Râgh.), means according to När. 'an initiated Brahmana who does not study the Veda.' Medh. and Gov. take the two terms as referring to one person only, 'Even a despicable Brahmana, who subsists merely by the name of his race,' i.e. neither studies the Veda, nor performs the rites, &c. The commentators point out that, as the employment of a Sudra is emphatically forbidden, Kshatriyas and Vaisyas may be employed in cases of necessity.
22. Sûdrabhūyishtham, 'where Sadras are very numerous' (Gov., Kull., Râgh.), means according to Medh. 'where Sudras mostly decide the law-cases,' according to Nand. "where Sudras are mostly employed in high offices. Når. adds that each of the blemishes enumerated is sufficient to cause destruction.
24. Medh. and Râgh. give another optional explanation of the participial clause, Understanding that pure justice secures advantages and mere injustice disadvantages.' According to Kull. it means 'Knowing what is expedient and what inexpedient, but paying attention to justice and injustice alone.' Når. and Nand. give still more unacceptable interpretations. Gov., who considers the explanation adopted above the only correct one, explains what is expedient' by what will please the people, and what is inex
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