Manu-Smriti is one of the most coveted and popular works of ancient India. It comprises codes that are needed for an ideal, peaceful and harmonious society. The entire Manu-Smriti revolves around the Vedic concept of rita or dharma. The concepts of purusharthas, ashramas and varnas have their roots in dharma. These concepts were meant to make the life of every member of the society fruitful and purposeful. The codes prescribed by Manu became an authority on ancient laws and were put in practice. The scholars working in different fields of sociology, religion, philosophy, ethics, ancient laws and politics are bound to consult Manu-Smriti for some reason or the other.
The present book is an effort to bring together all scattered materials related to different topics contained in Manu-Smriti. The book also aims to diffuse many of the doubts related to certain topics contained in Manu-Smriti, for example, status of brahmana, shudra and woman. The analysis of topics such as human values, raja-dharma and Manu’s codes on crime and punishment has been presented in this book in a lucid style. All these topics bear great relevance even in modern times. The volume tries to maintain the originality of Manu’s concepts through rational and honest approach. The book also includes few modern subjects like economics, ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation that have been dealt by Manu in a scientific manner.
This book will benefit all those who want to know about the rules and practices that governed our ancient history, pertaining to all the aspects of human life.
Contents: Introduction. 1. Dharma and Manu-smriti. 2. Human values and Manu-smriti. 3. Manu’s treatment of Brahmanas. 4. Raja-dharma and Manu-smriti. 5. Manu’s codes pertaining to punishment. 6. Concept of Shudras in Manu-smriti. 7. Status of woman in Manu-smriti. 8. Manu’s concept of Prayashchitta and its significance in maintaining harmony and peace. 9. Seeds of modern economics in Manu-smriti. 10. Codes for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem stability. Conclusion. Bibliography. Index.
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