Chapter 16

Vishnu Smriti 16

Sons born of wives of the same varṇa are of the same varṇa. // Vi_16.1 //

Those born of wives in the direct order of castes are of the same varṇa as their mother. // Vi_16.2 //

Those born of wives in the reverse order of castes are despised by the Āryas. // Vi_16.3 //

Therein, the son of a Vaiśyā by a Śūdra is an āyogava. // Vi_16.4 //

The pulkasa and the māgadha are the sons of a Kṣatriyā by a Vaiśya and a Śūdra respectively. // Vi_16.5 //

And the caṇḍāla, the vaidehaka, and the sūta are the sons of a Brāhmaṇī by a Śūdra, a Vaiśya, and a Kṣatriya respectively. // Vi_16.6 //

And the mixed castes from these unions are innumerable. // Vi_16.7 //

Stage-performance is the occupation of the āyogavas. // Vi_16.8 //

Hunting is the occupation of the pulkasas. // Vi_16.9 //

The act of praise is the occupation of the māgadhas. // Vi_16.10 //

Execution of criminals is the occupation of the caṇḍālas. // Vi_16.11 //

Guarding women and living by that is the occupation of the vaidehakas. // Vi_16.12 //

Horse-charioteering is the occupation of the sūtas. // Vi_16.13 //

For caṇḍālas, residence outside the village and wearing the clothes of the dead are special rules. // Vi_16.14 //

And for all of them, marriage is with those of the same caste. // Vi_16.15 //

And they inherit their own father's property. // Vi_16.16 //

These castes born of mixed unions, as shown by their fathers and mothers, Whether hidden or manifest, are to be known by their occupations. || Vi_16.17 ||

Giving up one's life for the sake of a Brāhmaṇa or a cow, without expectation of reward, And in defense of women and children, is a cause of salvation for the outcastes. || Vi_16.18 ||