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This paper focuses on two terms relating to food proscriptions in the dharma literature, abhaksya and abhojya, two words that underwent significant semantic developments and assumed technical meanings. A close reading of the literature permits us to draw the following conclusions. Abhak.ya refers to items of food, both animals and vegetables, that are completely forbidden; generally the term refers to food sources rather than cooked food served at a meal. Abhojya, on the other hand, refers to food that is normally permitted but due to some supervening circumstances has become unfit to be eaten. This term takes on a secondary meaning referring not directly to food but to a person whose food one is not permitted to eat.
ABBREVIATIONS AND BIBLIOGRAPHY
ApDh Apastamba Dharmasura, in Buhler 1879-82 and Olivelle 2000.
AV Atharva Veda.
BDh Baudhayana Dharmasutra, in Buhler 1879-82 and Olivelle 2000.
Berger, P L. 1969. The Sacred Canopy. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday.