Manusmriti
| Original title | मनुस्मृति |
|---|---|
| Country | Ancient India |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| Subject | Dharma, Law, Ethics |
| Genre | Smriti |
The Manusmriti, also known as the Laws of Manu, is an ancient legal text among the many Dharmaśāstras of Hinduism. It is attributed to the legendary figure Manu, who is considered the progenitor of humanity in Hindu mythology. The text is written in Sanskrit and is composed of 12 chapters with a total of 2,694 verses.
Historical Context[edit | edit source]
The Manusmriti is believed to have been composed between 200 BCE and 200 CE, although the exact date is uncertain. It is one of the earliest and most authoritative texts on Dharma (moral law) and has been highly influential in shaping the social and legal framework of ancient and medieval India.
Structure and Content[edit | edit source]
The Manusmriti is divided into twelve chapters, each dealing with different aspects of life and law. The text covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Cosmology and Creation: The text begins with a description of the creation of the world and the origin of the four varnas (social classes).
- Duties of the Varnas: It prescribes the duties and responsibilities of each varna, emphasizing the importance of following one's dharma.
- Law and Justice: The Manusmriti outlines various laws, including those related to property, inheritance, and punishment for crimes.
- Rituals and Sacrifices: It describes various rituals and sacrifices that are to be performed by individuals at different stages of life.
- Ethics and Morality: The text discusses ethical conduct, including the virtues of truthfulness, non-violence, and self-control.
Influence and Criticism[edit | edit source]
The Manusmriti has been both influential and controversial. It has served as a foundational text for Hindu law and has been cited in various legal and religious contexts. However, it has also been criticized for its rigid social hierarchy and its treatment of women and lower castes.
Modern Interpretations[edit | edit source]
In modern times, the Manusmriti is often studied as a historical document that provides insight into ancient Indian society. Scholars analyze its verses to understand the social, legal, and religious norms of the time.
Also see[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
