Gandhi’s ideal-Bhangi doctrine echoed the Manusmriti’s wealth restrictions on lower castes.

Evidence

The Manusmriti says a Shudra should not amass wealth even if he has the ability, for a Shudra who amasses wealth annoys the Brahmin. Gandhi, a Bania, for whom the Manusmriti prescribes usury as a divine calling, says: “Such an ideal Bhangi, while deriving his livelihood from his occupation, would approach it only as a sacred duty. In other words, he would not dream of amassing wealth out of it.” — Ambedkar, B R, Annihilation of Caste_ The Annotated…, 416

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to the reader’s knowledge of Manusmriti as a key text in caste-abolitionist critique.