Hindu Dharmashastras Subject Index: Four Sacred Law Books of Hinduism
Summary: This subject index provides organized access to four authoritative Hindu Dharmashastras—the Apastamba, Gautama, Vashishta, and Baudhayana Sutras—sacred texts that form the foundation of Hindu law and dharma. These ancient scriptures outline the principles governing social order, caste duties, ritual purification, inheritance, and the conduct expected of individuals across all life stages. Readers can browse by subject to explore topics including studentship, householder duties, kingship, penances, and legal procedures within the Hindu philosophical and ethical tradition.
The List of Dharamshastras - Index Page
Apastamba (17 Links)
- A Student who has returned Home
- A Student who has returned Home
- Eating, and Forbidden Food
- Funeral Oblations
- Initiation
- Inheritance
- The King
- Lawful Livelihood
- Penance
- Purification
- Rules for a Snâtaka
- Saluting
- Studentship
- The Study of the Veda
- The Duties of a Householder
- The Four Orders
- General Rules
Gautama (21 Links)
- A King and Brâhmana versed in the Vedas
- Civil and Criminal Law
- Eating, and Forbidden Food
- Funeral Oblations
- The Duties of a Snâtaka
- The Duties of a King
- The Ascetic
- The Hermit
- The Householder
- Impurity
- Initiation
- Inheritance
- Lawful Occupations and Livelihood
- Penances
- Purification
- Saluting
- Studentship
- The Study of the Veda
- Times of Distress
- Witnesses
- Women
Vashishta (31 Links)
- Ascetic
- Adoption
- Definitions
- Duties of a King
- Excommunication
- Gifts
- General Rules
- Hermit
- Householder
- Impurity
- Initiation
- Inheritance
- Guests
- Lawful and Forbidden Food
- Lawful Occupations
- Legal Procedure
- Mixed Castes
- Origin of Castes
- Penances
- Purification
- Four Castes
- Rule of Conduct
- Sacrifices
- Saluting
- Secret Penances
- Snâtaka
- Srâddhas
- Studentship
- Study of the Veda
- Duty of Studying the Veda
- Women
Baudhayana (41 Links)
- Aghamarshana
- Anasnatpârâyana
- Ascetic
- Bathing
- Castes
- Criminal Law
- Different Customs
- Eating
- Forbidden Food
- Hermits
- Householder
- Impurity
- Impurity
- Inheritance
- Inheritance
- Kândrâyana
- Kûshmândas
- Lawful Livelihood
- Mahâyagñas
- Marriage
- The Offering to the Vital Airs
- Parisishta on Adoption
- Penances
- Penances
- Penances for a Student
- Prasritiyâvaka
- The Procreation of Sons
- Purification
- Rites securing Success
- Sacrifices
- Secret Penances
- Snâtaka
- Snâtaka
- Sources of the Law
- Srâddhas
- Srâddhas
- Studentship
- Tarpana
- The King
- The Four Orders
- The Twilight Devotions
- Veda-Study
- Waterpot
- Women
- Witnesses