THE SHUDRAS : THE BRAHMANIC .... STATUS OF THE SHUDRAS 49
The highest of a twice-born (the Brahmin) should practise just this expiation for a year on having slain a Vaishya who lives virtuously and give one hundred and one (heads) of cattle.
The slayer of a Shudra should practise exactly all these observances for six months; or he may give to a priest ten white cows and a bull. [1] "
(E) According to the Vishnu Smriti:
“With whatever limb an inferior insults or hurts his superior in caste, of that limb the king shall cause him to be deprived.
If he places himself on the same seat with his superior, he shall be banished with a mark on his buttocks.
If he spits on him he shall lose both lips.
If he breaks wind against him, he shall lose his hind parts.
If he uses abusive language, his tongue.
If a low-born man through pride give instruction (to a member of the highest caste) concerning his duty, let the king order hot oil to be dropped into his mouth.
If a Shudra man mentions the name or caste of a superior revilingly, an iron pin ten inches long shall be thrust into his mouth (red hot).” [2]
(v)
(A) According to the Brihaspati Smriti :
“A Shudra teaching the precepts of religion or uttering the words of the Veda, or insulting a Brahmin shall be punished by cutting out his tongue.” [3]
(B) According to the Gautama Dharma Sutra :
“Now if he listens intentionally to (a recitation of) the Veda, his ears shall be filled with (molten) tin or lac.
If he recites (Vedic texts), his tongue shall be cut out. If he remembers them, his body shall be split in twain.” [4]
(C) According to the Manu Smriti:
One who teaches for hire, also one who learns by paying hire (a Shudra) teacher and one who learns from him are unfit for being invited at the performance in honour of the Devas and Pitris. [5]
1 Chapter XI, Verses 127-131
2 Chapter V, Sutras 19-25
3 Chapter XII, Verse 12.
4 Chapter XX, Sutras 4-6.
5 Chapter III, Verse 156.