54 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
Merely to serve the Brahmins is declared to be the most excellent occupation of a Shudra; for if he does anything other than this it profits him nothing.
His means of life should be arranged by those Brahmins out of their own household (goods) in accordance with what is fitting after examining his ability, cleverness, and (the amount) the dependents embrace.
The leaving of food should be given (to him) and the old clothes, so too the blighted part of the grain, so too the old furniture. [1]
Let a Brahmin’s name be auspicious, a Kshatriya’s full of power, let a Vaishya’s mean wealth, a Shudra’s however be contemptible.
Let a Brahmin’s (distinctive title) imply prosperity, a Kshatriya’s safeguard, a Vaishya’s wealth, a Shudra’s service. [2]
If (a man) of one birth assault one of the twice-born castes with virulent words, he ought to have his tongue cut, for he is of the lowest origin.
If he makes mention in an insulting manner of their name and caste, a red-hot iron rod, ten fingers long, should be thrust into his mouth.
If this man through insolence gives instruction to the priests in regard to their duty, the king should cause boiling hot oil to be poured into his mouth and ear. [3]
If a man of the lowest birth should with any member injure one of the highest station, even that member of this man shall be cut (off); this is an ordinance of Manu.
If he lift up his hand or his staff (against him), he ought to have his hand cut off; and if he smites him with his feet in anger, he ought to have his feet cut off.
If a low-born man endeavours to sit down by the side of a high-born man, he should be banished after being branded on the hip, or (the king) may cause his backside to be cut off.
If through insolence he spit upon him, the king should cause his two lips to be cut off; and if he makes water upon him, his penis, and if he breaks wind upon him, his anus.
If he seize him by the locks, let the king without hesitation cause both his hands to be cut off, (also if he seize him) by the feet, the beard, the neck or the testicles.
Chapter X, Verses 121-125.
Chapter II, Verses 31-32.
Chapter VIII, Verses 270-72.