INDIAN CLASSES, 6i 



However, the Jdtimdld exprefsly dates the number 

 of forty-two mixed claffes, fpringing from the inter- 

 courfe of a man of inferior clafs with a woman of fu- 

 perior clafs. Though, like other mixed clalTes, they 

 are included under the general denomination of Sudra y 

 they are confldered as moft abject, and moft of them 

 now experience the fame contemptuous treatment as 

 the abject mixed claffes mentioned by Menu. Ac- 

 cording to the Rudraydmala y the domeftic priefts of 

 twenty of thefe clafTes are degraded. " Avoid,'* fays 

 the < Tantra y " the touch of the Chanddla, and other 

 u abject claffes ; and of thofe who eat the flefh of kine, 

 " often utter forbidden words, and perform none of 

 " the prefcribed ceremonies ; they are called Mclech- 

 " cha y and going to the region of Yavana> have been 

 <c named Tavanas. 



Thefe feven, the 'Rajaca, Chermacdra y Naia y Ba- 

 ruda y Caiverta, and Medabhilla y are the laft tribes,, 

 Whoever affociates with them, undoubtedly falls from 

 his clafs ; whoever bathes or drinks in wells or pools 

 " which they have caufed to be made, muft be'purified 

 cc by the five productions of kine ; whoever approaches 

 Cl their women, is doubtlefs degraded from his clafs." 



cc 

 cc 



(C 



cc 



" For women of the Naia and Capdla clafTes, for 

 <f proftitutes, and for women of the Rajaca and Nd- 

 " pita tribes, a man mould willingly make oblations, 

 " but by no means dally with them." 



I may here remark, that, according to the Rudra- 

 yamdla y the Nat a and Natdca are diftinct ; but the 

 profefflons are not difcriminated in that Tantra. If 

 their diftinct occupations, as dancers and actors, are 

 accurately fupplied, dramas are of very early date. 



The Pundraca and " Pattafutracura^ or feeder of 

 filk-worms, and filk-twifter, deferve notice; for it 

 has been faid, that filk was the produce of China folely 



4 until 



