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Manu-smrti

traditionally, the most authoritative of the books of the Hindu code (Dharma- Shastra) in India. Manu-smrti is the favored identify of the work, which is officially generally known as Manava-dharma-shastra. It is attributed to the legendary first man and lawgiver, Manu. In its present type, it dates from the first century BC.

The Manu-smrti prescribes to the Hindu his dharma-i.e., that set of obligations incumbent on him as a member of one of the four social classes (varnas) and engaged in one of the 4 stages of life (ashramas). It contains 12 chapters of stanzas, which whole 2,694. It deals with cosmogony, the definition of the dharma, the sacraments (samskaras), initiation (upanayana) and study of the Veda, marriage, hospitality, obsequies, dietary restrictions, air pollution and means of purification, the conduct of women and wives, and the legislation of kings. The last leads to a consideration of issues of juridical interest, divided beneath 18 headings, after which the textual content returns to spiritual subjects, corresponding to donations, rites of reparation, the doctrine of karman, the soul, and hell. The textual content makes no categorical distinction between non secular law and practices and secular regulation in its treatment. Its influence has been monumental, and it has supplied the caste Hindu with a system of practical morality.