Actually, it is not lead but tin and lac. For this see, Gautama Dharmasūtra 12.4 (the whole section is a diatribe against Śūdras).

Patrick



On Nov 21, 2013, at 5:44 AM, "Michaels, Axel" <michaels@asia-europe.uni-heidelberg.de> wrote:

Compare Manu 8.272. 
Best,
Axel Michaels 

From: patrick mccartney <psdmccartney@gmail.com>
Date: Thursday, November 21, 2013 9:30 AM
To: "indology@list.indology.info" <indology@list.indology.info>
Subject: [INDOLOGY] molten lead in ears

Dear Colleagues, 

Could someone please point me towards the reference where Śudras would have molten lead or some other substance poured into their ears as punishment for having heard the recitation of Sanskrit mantras.

I'm wondering also what punishment would be dispensed to someone uttering Sanskrit verses or perhaps speaking Sanskrit. 

--
All the best,

Patrick McCartney

PhD Candidate
School of Culture, History & Language
College of the Asia-Pacific
The Australian National University
Canberra, Australia, 0200
Rm 4.30 Baldessin Precinct Building

skype - psdmccartney
W- +61 2 6125 4323
M - +91 9714120772

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfpCc8G_cUw&feature=related
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