THE SHUDRAS : THE BRAHMANIC .... STATUS OF THE SHUDRAS 47
For not by years, nor by grey hair, not by wealth, nor kindred (is superiority); the seers made the rule—Who knows the Veda completely, he is great among us.
Of Brahmins, superiority (is) by knowledge, but of Kshatriyas by valour, of Vaishyas by reason of property (and) wealth, and of Shudras by age.
One is not, therefore, aged because his head is grey; whoever, although a youth, has perused (the Vedas), him the gods consider an elder. [1]
Now a Kshatriya is not called a guest in a Brahmin’s house, nor a Vaishya nor a Shudra; neither is a friend, the kinsman, nor a Guru (of the householder). (That is, a Brahmin has alone the right to have the honour of being treated as a guest in a Brahmin’s house).
But if a Kshatriya come as a guest to the house after the said Brahmins have eaten one should give him food (if) he wishes.
If a Vaishya (or) Shudra come to the house as guests, the Brahmin should give them food but with the servants, using kindness.” [2]
(iv)
(A) According to the Apastamba Dharma Sutra :
He who has killed a Kshatriya shall give a thousand cows (to Brahmins for the expiation of the act).
He shall give, a hundred cows for the killing of a Vaishya, (only) ten for a Shudra. [3]
(B) According to the Gautama Dharma Sutra :
“A Kshatriya (shall be fined) one hundred (Karshapanas) if he abuses a Brahmana.
In case of an assault (on a Brahmana) twice as much.
A Vaishya (who abuses a Brahmana, shall pay) one and a half (times as much as a Kshatriya).
But a Brahmana (who abuses) a Kshatriya (shall pay) fifty (Karshapanas).
1 Chapter II, Verses 154-156.
2 Chapter III, Verses 110-112.
3 Prasna I, Patala 9, Khanda 24, Sutras 1-3.