Manusmriti, translated as "The Laws of Manu" or "The Institutions of Manu," is the most important and authoritative Hindu Law Book (Dharmashastra), which served as a foundational work on Hindu law and jurisprudence in ancient India at least 1500 years. Until the modern times, it was the standard reference for adjudicating civil and criminal cases by both the rulers who patronized Vedic faith and the people who practiced Hinduism.
What are the laws of Manu?
The Laws of Manu takes a firm stance in rejecting the independence of women and places them firmly in subjugation to their fathers, brothers, or husbands. “By a girl, by a young woman, or even by an aged one, nothing must be done independently, even in her own house,” states The Laws of Manu (Muller 1886:195).
What is the Code of Manu?
The Code of Manu is a compilation of laws reflecting Hindu thought in the Buddhist period, preserved in a metrical recension, or survey. It contains 2685 verses, and is evidently not the work of one man, but the production of many minds.
What is the attitude toward women in the laws of Manu?
The practice of medicine was prohibited to the upper caste. Equally repugnant to modern scholars is the attitude toward women in the Laws of Manu. Women were considered inept, inconsistent, and sensual and were restrained from learning the Vedic texts or participating in meaningful social functions.
What did Nietzsche say about Manu Manu?
Nietzsche considered Manu's social order as far from perfect, but considers the general idea of a caste system to be natural and right, and stated that "caste-order, order of rank is just a formula for the supreme law of life itself", a "natural order, lawfulness par excellence".
What was the purpose of the Hindu Laws of Manu?
The Laws of Manu (also called the Manava Dharma Shastra) is traditionally accepted as one of the supplementary arms of the Vedas. It is one of the standard books in the Hindu canon and a basic text upon which teachers base their teachings.
What are the laws of Manu summary?
About The Laws of Manu Manu encompasses topics as wide-ranging as the social obligations and duties of the various castes, the proper way for a righteous king to rule and to punish transgressors, relations between men and women, birth, death, taxes, karma, rebirth and ritual practices.
Where are the laws of Manu from?
IndiaAnnotation. The Manu-smriti, or Laws of Manu, are of the most authoritative codes of Hinduism in India, dating back to approximately 100 C.E.. Traditionally, the Manu-smriti was given by Manu, the first man and lawgiver, and are a commentary on the legal and social systems of India, including the caste system.
What is Manu state law?
The Manu-smriti prescribes to Hindus their dharma—i.e., that set of obligations incumbent on each as a member of one of the four social classes (varnas) and engaged in one of the four stages of life (ashramas).
What did the Laws of Manu represent quizlet?
What were the laws of Manu? Ancient Indian law code containing regulatory guidelines governing life within the community and within the family.
What are the social laws given by Manu?
The Laws of Manu claim four sources of sacred law; the Vedas, conduct of virtuous men learned in the Vedas, conduct of holy men and self-satisfaction.
When was the law Code of Manu written?
The Laws of Manu, dated between 1250 BCE by the nineteenth century philologist Sir William Jones and second to third century CE by contemporary indologist Patrick Olivelle, is generally considered one of the most important texts in ancient India to justify discrimination based on caste.
Who was Manu the law giver?
Manu is considered a law giver in the Hindu tradition. Manu Smriti is one of the 18 Smritis. It is important to note that laws given by Manu, in Manu Smriti although followed in some form even today, are not considered divine, and may be modified by the society to keep up with the times.
What according to Manu are the four ends of life?
The 4 Purusharthas: Dharma, Kama, Moksha, & Artha.
What was the impact of the Code of Manu on South Asia?
What was the impact of the Code of Manu on South Asia? It provided mechanisms for absorbing new groups into the system of varnas and jatis, propelling Hinduism into every aspect of life.
Why is Manusmriti important?
Manusmriti is unique amongst dharma-shastras as it presents itself like a holy text, a purana, beginning with the origin of the world, the origin of the four communities (varna), the law for the four communities, managing adversities, transgressions, and finally the two great conclusions of human life - obtaining ...
How many verses are there in Laws of Manu?
The text dedicates 1,034 verses, the largest portion, on laws for and expected virtues of Brahmins, and 971 verses for Kshatriyas.
Who was Manu the law giver?
Manu is considered a law giver in the Hindu tradition. Manu Smriti is one of the 18 Smritis. It is important to note that laws given by Manu, in Manu Smriti although followed in some form even today, are not considered divine, and may be modified by the society to keep up with the times.
Who translated the Laws of Manu?
The Manu Smriti was one of the first Sanskrit texts studied by the European philologists. It was first translated into English by Sir William Jones. His version was published in 1794.
Can I eat beef as a Hindu?
The respect for cow is part of Hindu belief, and most Hindus avoid meat sourced from cow as cows are treated as a motherly giving animal, considered as another member of the family.
Who created Manu?
According to the Matsya Purana, sage Manu was the first man (and the first human) created by God. In the above Purana it was mentioned that Lord Brahma created, using his divine powers, the Goddess Shatrupa (as Saraswati was first called) and out of the union of Brahma and Shatrupa was born Manu.
Why are the laws of Manu important?
Men live shorter lives and the end of the world will come relatively soon. The Laws of Manu states that the distinction between varnas is necessary to maintain the order of this fragile universe. The Laws of Manu is a very important work, but it has not always been viewed as the most important dharmic text in Hinduism.
What is the law of manu?
The Laws of Manu is divided into sections dealing with different aspects of Hindu life. One of the most well-known sections deals with the roles of women in society. The Laws of Manu takes a firm stance in rejecting the independence of women and places them firmly in subjugation to their fathers, brothers, or husbands.
What does Ramusack say about the laws?
Ramusack (1999) also says that the Laws “represent the effort of brahmans [ sic] to impose their ideals as the dominant practice in Hindu society.”. This is certainly true; the Laws firmly establish the boundaries between the Hindu classes, or varnas.
What is the concept of time in the Laws of Manu?
The concept of time is also discussed in The Laws of Manu. The text describes the different yugas, or ages, and tells how virtue steadily decreases in each age. Our current age, the Kali Yuga, is one of “liberality alone” (Muller 1886:24). Men live shorter lives and the end of the world will come relatively soon. The Laws of Manu states that the distinction between varnas is necessary to maintain the order of this fragile universe.
How long does the law of manu last?
The studentship stage, or brahmacarya, can last anywhere from nine to thirty-six years, during which time the Vedas are studied. After this stage, the householder stage can then be entered.
How many Manus are there?
The question of authorship regarding The Laws of Manu is debated. According to the text itself, there are seven Manus, all sons of the aforementioned Svayambhuva (Trautmann, 188). Every age has its own Manu. The Manu of this age heard the moral code from Brahma, the Creator, and then taught it to the rsis.
How old is the Laws of Manu?
While we cannot know for certain how old The Laws of Manu is, or who its exact author was, it is safe to say that it is one document that has influenced many aspects of Hindu life today.
What is the code of manu?
The collection of laws and precepts common ly called ” The Code of Manu” is the oldest and most celebrated of many books of the law that were compiled for the purpose of giving more definiteness to the vague injunctions of the Vedic hymns.
What is the foundation of Hindu law?
It is the foundation of Hindu Law — a collection or digest of current laws and creeds rather than a planned systematic code. It is frequently quoted to-day in law courts, and by Hindus in all cases where the customs of Hindu society and the observances of caste are under question. In it the four main castes are clearly defined and their duties and obligations laid down, and the whole system of rules and regulations is instituted by which the Brahmans sought to perpetuate an organized caste-system in subordination to themselves.
What is the Brahmanical Code?
Brahmanical code has been ascribed to Manu, and is still known as the Institutes of Manu. This association of the name of the Vedic Manu with the Brahmanical code may have arisen from the desire to assert the remote antiquity and divine authority. The distinction between the Vedic and Brahmanic ages is seen in the distinction between ...
What is Manu Smriti?
Manu Smriti is the popular name of the work, which is officially known as Manava dharma shastra, is the central source of the later Brahmanical Hinduism. The Manu Smriti (Smriti = remembered law) (also called Laws of Manu, the Law-Books of Manu, nor Manu Samhita, Manava Dharma Shastra, or Institutes of Manu) commonly known as the Code of Manu, ...
When was Manu Smriti written?
The Manu Smriti or Hindu code of Manu is of uncertain date. There was a wide divergence of opinion among 19th Century Oriental scholars as to the date of the Manu Smriti, or Laws of Manu. Max Muller and his followers, who at times seemed to bend all their energies to the task of proving that everything in Hinduism was of comparatively recent origin, claimed that the Laws of Manu were compiled in the fifth century AD. Their arguments were based upon certain passages which allude to customs and religious rites known to be modern. But it can easily be shown that all such passages may have been later interpolations of the Brahmins, while, on the other hand, the bulk or greater part of the work seemed to others to be undoubtedly archaic in character.
How many verses are in the book of Manavas?
It contains 2685 verses, and is evidently not the work of one man, but the production of many minds. It gives the observances of a tribe of Brahmans called Manavas, who probably belonged to a school of the Yajur (or black) Veda, and lived in North-West India not far from Delhi. It was written in a period later than the Vedas when the Brahmans had obtained the ascendancy, but its deities are those of the Vedas and not of the Epics and Puranas — so it occupies a middle place between the Vedas and the Puranas.
Who were the Brahmans?
In the Hindu mythology the name belongs to the fourteen Praja-patis, or forefathers of all creatures , each of whom presides over the destinies of men for a period, called a Manwantara, of 4,320,000 years. In the Rig-Veda Vaivaswata is the father of the Aryas and the whole human race; and it has been conjectured that his name was applied by its compilers to the Code of Manu to reconcile the Brahmanical law to the Aryan Kshatriyas.
What does Manu mean?
Manu in its literal implication stands for Wisdom and Compassion. He was also considered to be the symbol of an institution or office of Kingship. But it is said, Manu was the first progeny of the creator Brahma. Brahma in his plan of creation implanted the human race which started from Manu. Some others view him to be the real king who existed in different periods & guided human generation through his ruling. According to others, Manu was not a person to be identified. ‘Manu’ is described by them as a legal code. Their opinion is that “the religion or right principles for the maintenance of social and political life of men derived from the minds (Mana) in right manners were codified in the legal code, is titled as Manu. Thus, Manu is a legal code. It has the legal responsibility. It is the combination of all rules & regulations for maintenance of social and political life, in a welfare organization, i.e. , the state. But one common agreement was that Manu was the creator, the philosopher, and he was the first Hindu king of ancient India. S. there are disputes regarding the identification of Manu. The Manu Smriti:-
When did Manu live?
However scholars views regarding his origin is based on only different assumptions. Sir William Jones traces Manu to 1200 B.C., Bhandarkar talks of the origin of Manu between the middle of the 2nd century A.D and the end Of 5th century A.D. According to Hopkins, Manu lived in the beginning of or even before the Christian era. Identification Of/Who Was Manu:-
What are the duties of a Brahmin?
He must instruct the others & he must live in accordance with the law. The Brahmin is the lord (Prabhu) of all castes, on account of his pre-eminence the superiority of his origin, his adherence to distinctive rules and his particular sanctification. The Brahmin should punish the wrongdoers by her own strength, without bringing it to the notice of the king. He should use the charms & incantations as contained in the Artharva Veda and his weapon lies in his speech. Besides put rights, the Brahmin who has public rights. Manu observes that the king, even in time of deepest distress, should not provoke the anger of the Brahmins. The wealth of the Brahmins is the knowledge of the Veda. Whether learned or not, the Brahmins must be honoured in every way in the society. The Brahmins has the right to instruct others in their duties because of his distinctive birth & upbringing. ii)Kshatriyas:-
How many castes did Manu have?
Manu has provided the principles of the social organization. In this connection, he has divided the entire society into 4 castes (varnas) as Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Vaishya, and Shudra. Manu codified the caste system which he claimed to have done for the betterment of the society. Manu says that for the prosperity of the world, the lord created Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra from his mouth, arms, thighs and feet respectively. Let us make an attempt to give a brief account of the relative positions, duties, occupations and inter-state of different castes in his social order:- i)Brahmana:-
What does Manu say about mutual infidelity?
Manu stresses mutual absence of infidelity until death. He has rightly advised a man and woman who have performed wedding ritual not to get separated or be unfaithful to each other. It is important to note that sermons of mutual infidelity constitute the bedrock of happy conjugal life which should be strictly adhered to. Manu’s advice in this respect has eternal value for conjugal & blissful homely life. viii)Annulment Of Marriage:-
What are the duties of the Kshatriyas?
The Kshatriyas sprang from the arms of the creator. A Kshatriyas has to protect the people, to bestow gifts, to offer sacrifices, to study (the Veda) and to abstain from attaching himself to sexual pleasures. Like the Brahmins, Kshatriyas are also twice born & are to undergo the same type of purification. The son of a Kshatriya becomes a Kshatriya only when Kshatriya gets married to a lady oh his own caste. Thus Manu assigns to the Kshatriyas the occupation of protecting the people. In his discussion on the king’s duty towards war & fighting, Manu says that the king must not refrain from fighting when challenged by an enemy of equal inferior or superior strength. The duty of the Kshatriyas is to achieve victory & not retreat from battle. Manu says further that those who fight with the approved weapons & are killed in battle without thought of retreat, go to Heaven. For a Kshatriyas, the most commendable occupations is the protection of his subjects. iii)Vaishya:-
What are the aspects of Manusmriti?
It touches all the aspects of life, administration, king, and his duties, levy on taxes, running of government, establishment and functioning of courts, division of society into varnas and the various customs during life and after death. Mausmriti consists of 12 chapters & 2684 hymns. The second chapter consisting of 249 hymns deals with the different parts & duties of life such as hereditary occupation, process of purification, Brahmacharya (Celibacy). Third chapter consisting of 286 hymns deals with householders ‘s life, the system of marriage, rules regarding happy married life, evils of inter-caste marriage. The last chapter deals with the rules of social life, Moksha, self-knowledge, self-examination, duties towards the society & the state. Social Provision/Views/Ideas/Visions Of Manu In Manusmriti:- The entire social ideas/visions of Manu has been described in the Manusmriti. The ideas/visions may be categorized into the following subjects:- a)Varna System:-
What is the Manusmriti?
The Manusmṛiti ( Sanskrit: मनुस्मृति) is believed to be an ancient legal text and constitution among the many Dharmaśāstras of Hinduism. In ancient India, often the sages used to put down their ideas on how the society should run on the Manuscripts. It is believed that the original form of Manusmriti was changed as many things written in the Manuscript contradict each other. It was one of the first Sanskrit texts to have been translated into English in 1776, by British philologist Sir William Jones, and was used to construct Hindu law to the advantage of British colonial government.
Who said there are various contradictions and inconsistencies in the Manusmriti?
Nelson in 1887, in a legal brief before the Madras High Court of British India, had stated, "there are various contradictions and inconsistencies in the Manu Smriti itself, and that these contradictions would lead one to conclude that such a commentary did not lay down legal principles to be followed but were merely recommendatory in nature." Mahatma Gandhi remarked on the observed inconsistencies within Manusmriti as follows:
Why is Manusmriti called Manusmriti?
The title Manusmriti is a relatively modern term and a late innovation, probably coined because the text is in a verse form. The over fifty manuscripts discovered of the text, never use this title, but state the title as Manava Dharmasastra (Sanskrit: मानवधर्मशास्त्र) in their colophons at the end of each chapter. In modern scholarship, these two titles refer to the same text.
How many Manusmriti manuscripts are there?
Over fifty manuscripts of the Manusmriti are now known, but the earliest discovered, most translated and presumed authentic version since the 18th century has been the "Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) manuscript with Kulluka Bhatta commentary". Modern scholarship states this presumed authenticity is false, and the various manuscripts of Manusmriti discovered in India are inconsistent with each other, and within themselves, raising concerns of its authenticity, insertions and interpolations made into the text in later times.
When was Manusmriti written?
Eighteenth-century philologists Sir William Jones and Karl Wilhelm Friedrich Schlegel assigned Manusmriti to the period of around 1250 BCE and 1000 BCE respectively, which from later linguistic developments is untenable due to the language of the text which must be dated later than the late Vedic texts such as the Upanishads which are themselves dated a few centuries later, around 500 BCE. Later scholars, shifted the chronology of the text to between 200 BCE and 200 CE. Olivelle adds that numismatics evidence, and the mention of gold coins as a fine, suggest that text may date to the 2nd or 3rd century CE.
When was Manvarthavivrtti written?
Nārāyana's commentary, titled Manvarthavivrtti, is probably from the 14th century and little is known about the author. This commentary includes many variant readings, and Olivelle found it useful in preparing a critical edition of the Manusmriti text in 2005.
Is there any historical evidence for the Dharmasastra?
Donald Davis writes, "there is no historical evidence for either an active propagation or implementation of Dharmasastra [Manusmriti] by a ruler or any state – as distinct from other forms of recognizing, respecting and using the text. Thinking of Dharmasastra as a legal code and of its authors as lawgivers is thus a serious misunderstanding of its history". Other scholars have expressed the same view, based on epigraphical, archaeological and textual evidence from medieval Hindu kingdoms in Gujarat, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, while acknowledging that Manusmriti was influential to the South Asian history of law and was a theoretical resource.
Background to The Manava Dharma Shastra
The Genesis of The Laws of Manu
- It is believed that Manu, the ancient teacher of sacred rites and laws, is the author of Manava Dharma-Shastra. The initial canto of the work narrates how ten great sages appealed to Manu to recite the sacred laws to them and how Manu fulfilled their wishes by asking the learned sage Bhrigu, who had been carefully taught the metrical tenets of the ...
Possible Dates of Composition
- Sir William Jones assigned the work to the period 1200-500 BCE, but more recent developments state that the work in its extant form dates back to the first or second century CE or perhaps even older. Scholars agree that the work is a modern versified rendition of a 500 BCE 'Dharma-sutra,' which no longer exists.
Structure and Content
- The first chapter deals with the creation of the world by the deities, the divine origin of the book itself, and the objective of studying it. Chapters 2 through 6 recounts the proper conduct of the members of the upper castes, their initiation into the Brahmin religion by a sacred thread or sin-removing ceremony, the period of disciplined studentship devoted to the study of the Vedas und…
Criticisms of The Laws of Manu
- Present-day scholars have criticized the work significantly, judging the rigidity of the caste systemand the contemptible attitude toward women as unacceptable for today's standards. The almost divine reverence shown to the Brahmin caste and the despicable attitude towards the 'Sudras' (the lowest caste) is objectionable to many. The Sudras were forbidden to participate in …
Translations of Manava Dharma Shastra
- The Institutes of Manuby Sir William Jones (1794). The first Sanskrit work to be translated into a European tongue.
- The Ordinances of Manu(1884) begun by A. C. Burnell and completed by Professor E. W. Hopkins, published in London.
- Professor George Buhler's Sacred Books of the Eastin 25 volumes (1886).
- The Institutes of Manuby Sir William Jones (1794). The first Sanskrit work to be translated into a European tongue.
- The Ordinances of Manu(1884) begun by A. C. Burnell and completed by Professor E. W. Hopkins, published in London.
- Professor George Buhler's Sacred Books of the Eastin 25 volumes (1886).
- Professor G. Strehly's French translation Les Lois de Manou, forming one of the volumes of the "Annales du Musée Guimet", published in Paris (1893).
