Page:The history of caste in India.pdf/167



A strict barrier between varnas and castes is sure to result in the stringent rules regarding adultery. Adultery itself was a heinous offense in India since very ancient times. This offense becomes of very great magnitude in a society where pretensions of purity of blood grow very great. Sentiments against adultery are found in various works, ancient and modern, but the sentiment in our text is not so strong as may be found in older works.

Our writer explains why adultery should be considered as a very grievous offense.

"For by adultery, is caused a mixture of the varnas among men, thence (follows) sin, which cuts up even the roots, and causes destruction of everything" (viii, 353).

The commentators explain the verse as follows: "If a mixture of the varnas takes place, the sacrifices cannot be offered properly, because duly qualified sacrificers are wanting. If sacrifices are not duly offered, no rain will fall and everything will perish" (Medh. Gov. Kull. Rāghavānanda).

In order to bring out clearly the distinction made by our writer, as regards adultery between different varnas, it is necessary for us first of all to determine the magnitude of the offense committed by a man with a woman of the same varna, as reflected in the punishment, and it is not an easy task. Regarding the punishment for adultery he says: "Men who commit adultery with the wives of others, the king shall cause to be marked by punishments which cause terror and afterward banish" (viii, 352).