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The Manusmriti (Sanskrit मनुस्मृति), translated "Laws of Manu" or "Institutions of Manu", is regarded as a foundational work of Hindu Law and ancient India n society, compiled and written quite late, c. 200 CE in India . It is one of the eighteen Smriti s 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 Epic s, 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 Law s, 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. 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 Dalit s. 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''' (servants). 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. While the origins of caste system in India are still not clear, Manusmriti makes the following statement on the subject: |
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