Yudhiṣṭhira begins with the following words: "Oh serpent, who has the characteristics of a brāhmaṇa is considered a brāhmaṇa. He who does not have the characteristics of a brāhmaṇa is a śūdra, even if he was born as brāhmaṇa." (Mahābhārata, Vana Parva 180.26) An example of the conduct of a Brāhmaṇa is considered to be a brāhmaṇa. He who does not have the characteristics of a brāhmaṇa is a śūdra, even if he was born as a brāhmaṇa." The child replied, "I don't know what my caste or family descent is." (Mahābhārata, Vana Parva 180.26) I asked my mother, and she