Havell, Ernest B.: Benares, the sacred city: Sketches of Hindu life and religion (London, [1912])

16 BENARES, THE SACRED CITY

there were restrictions as to eating together, and a fair
complexion was regarded as indicating high birth, a
low occupation by itself did not involve any social
ostracism. A Brahmin or Kshatriya could work at a
trade or engage in agriculture without any dishonour
or penalty.