Adhikara is the ritual qualification that excludes Shudras from Vedic rites

Evidence

130 It is not clear what Ambedkar is referring to as the ashtadhikaras. Adhikara, in both Vedic Hinduism and tantra, refers to the religious qualification and eligibility to perform certain rituals. According to James Lochtefeld (2002, 6), “This refers partly to knowing how to perform the ritual, and thus being ‘qualified’…More importantly, it refers to having gained the ritual status that entitles one to perform the ritual. This status is usually conferred by some sort of formal initiation … by one’s teacher.” Thus we may say Shambuka, the pivotal Shudra in the Ramayana, does not have the adhikara to perform a Vedic rite, and is hence punished. — Ambedkar, B R, Annihilation of Caste_ The Annotated…, 1149

Categorization

• DEFINE: Clarifies adhikara as ritual qualification/eligibility, which is the mechanism excluding Shambuka and by extension all Shudras.