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The Manusmriti, translated "Laws of Manu" or
"Institutions of Manu", is regarded
as a foundational work
of Hindu law and ancient Indian society, compiled and written quite
late, c.200 CE in India. It is one of the eighteen Smritis of the
Dharma Sastra (or "laws of righteous conduct"); Smriti means
"what is remembered" and is applied in general to a Hindu
text other than the Vedas, including traditional Indian epics, the
Puranas, and science and grammar treatises. Unlike the Vedas which are
considered to be eternal or of divine origin, the Smritis are
considered to be of human origin and therefore susceptible to the
flaws of humans. They contain laws, rules and codes of conduct to be
applied by individuals, communities and nations. Some of these laws
codify the Hindu caste system and discuss the "stages of life for
a twice-born man". The book is ascribed to Manu, said to be the
forefather of all human race. Manu's writings prescribe a particular
ideal of Indian society, conforming to detailed social and religious
rules which are expressed as being in line with the universal ethical
principle of 'dharma'. For many scholars, it is merely one
(particularly influential) set of laws to which many Hindus have
appealled - others guides to social practice exist, and have
complemented or contradicted Manu throughout India's history and
across its communities.
Manusmriti was quoted, especially by the British Colonial rulers of
India as "the law-book" of the Hindus. Some Hindus allege
that the colonial rulers, like Robert Clive and Lord Macaulay, would
have found it a useful tool. They have argued that the caste system as
prescribed by the Manusmriti developed a society that was very easy to
subjugate and rule[citation needed]. Some people over the ages have
quoted or interpreted the Manusmriti to justify Brahmin supremacy, the
sanctity of the caste system and the lower status given to the
so-called Dalits (i.e. slaves).
Manusmriti is a key text in justifying and prescribing the detailed
precepts of the caste system. In it, society consists of four (later
hereditary) classes - Brahmanas (teachers and priests), Kshatriyas
(administrators and armymen), Vaishyas, also called as Aryas (traders,
farmers and herdsmen) and Shudras (unholy slaves). It clearly defined
the relative position and the duties of the several castes, and
determined the penalties to be indicted on any transgressions of the
limits assigned to each of them. (Source: Wikipedia)
Suggested Further Reading
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