z:\ ambedkar\vol 04\vol4 06.indd MK SJ DK 23 9 2013/YS 9 11 2013 322
322 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
“41. Performing Acamana by respectable people in water that would remain even after a cow has drunk it to its heart’s content.” [1]
“42. Fining witnesses who depose to a dispute between father and son.” [12]
“43. Sannyasin should stay where he happened to, be in the evening.” [13]
These are the Kali Varjyas set out in the adityapurana.
The strange thing about this code of Kali Varjya is that its significance has not been fully appreciated, it is simply referred to as a list of things forbidden in the Kali Yuga. But there is more than this behind this list of don’ts. People are no doubt forbidden to follow the practices listed in the Kali Varjya Code. The question however is : Are these practices condemned as being immoral, sinful or otherwise harmful to society ? The answer is no. One likes to know why these practices if they are forbidden are not condemned ? Herein lies the riddle of the Kali Varjya Code. This technique of forbidding a practice without condemning it stands in utter contrast with the procedure followed in earlier ages. To take only one illustration. The Apastamba Dharma Sutra forbids the practice of giving all property to the eldest son. But he condemns it. Why did the Brahmins invent this new technics forbid but not condemn ? There must be some special reason for this departure. What is that reason ?
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1 Vashishtha III. 35 says that water accumulated in a hole on the ground would be fit for acamana if it is as much as would quench the thirst of a cow. Vide Manu V. 128 and Yaj I. 192.
2 Yaj. II. 239 prescribes a fine of three panas for witnesses in disputes between father and son.
3 This may also mean ‘a sannyasin should be at the houses in the evening’.