Gautama Dharma Sutra predated the Manusmriti in prescribing brutal Vedic-access punishments

Evidence

Ambedkar seems to be citing these punishments from chapter 12 of Gautama Dharma Sutra (600 BCE to 300 BCE, predating the Manusmriti) … Now if a Shudra listens intentionally to (a recitation of) the Veda, his ears shall be filled with (molten) tin or lac. 5. If he recites (Vedic texts), his tongue shall be cut out. 6. If he remembers them, his body shall be split in twain. 7. If he assumes a position equal (to that of twice-born men) in sitting, in lying down, in conversation or on the road, he shall undergo (corporal) punishment. — Ambedkar, B R, Annihilation of Caste_ The Annotated…, 1120

Categorization

• XREF: Shows the punishment code for caste defiance long predated the Manusmriti, strengthening that Brahminical caste law was systemic across centuries rather than one text’s invention.