Manusmriti

The Manusmriti, translated smriti of Manu is a work of Hindu Law and ancient Indian society. It is one of the 19 Dharmashastras which are a part of the smriti literature. It is considered the oldest and one of the most important texts of this genre.

It explains itself as a discourse given by Sage Manu to rishis who begged him to enlighten them on the topic. There are 2,684 verses divided into 12 chapters.

A range of historical opinion generally dates composition of the text any time between 200 BCE and 200 CE. The dating is significant because the work was written during the period when Brahmanical tradition was seriously threatened by non-Vedic movements.

The work is considered an important source for sociological, political and historical studies. Manusmriti is one of the most heavily criticized of the scriptures of Hinduism, having been attacked by a gamut of people including colonial scholars, Dalit advocates, feminists, Marxists and Hindu Nationalists. Some of these groups have burned the text in public demonstrations.

The Manusmriti was one of the first Sanskrit texts studied by the British. It was first translated into English by the founder of Indology, Sir William Jones, and the translated version was published in 1794.

It is widely believed that out of a total of 2,685 verses, only 1,214 are authentic, the other 1,471 being interpolations on the text. The law in Manusmriti also is claimed to be overtly positive towards Brahmins (priests) in terms of concessions made in fines and punishments.

The stance of Manusmriti about Shudras, women and their education is a big issue. Certain interpretations claim that it discourages women from reading Vedic scriptures. This also forms the basic reason for the continued slavery of Untouchables in our society.

And You Thought There Was No Untouchability?

If you ever thought that we are living in a new world or a new century and hence we have eliminated Untouchability, think again... and be prepared for a shock.

The age old practices of casteism and untouchability were conceived by the Manusmriti, which is the first ever work of Hindu Law and ancient Indian society. Some of these codes of conduct pertain to the Hindu Caste System and are still practiced with full devotion and fidelity, the difference being, we now practice it in a more sophisticated and hi-tech fashion.

For instance, in Kerela, a low caste person is not allowed any footwear in the locality of high caste people or in shops etc. He must cross the region barefoot. Their under privileged children cant seek admission into the 11th grade even after clearing 10th grade exams.

In Gujarat, these people cant board a rickshaw and their children have to sweep the campus including toilets and prepare tea for teachers in the schools they study in. Its not surprising to listen to children address other children much younger to them saying 'ji' just because they belong to a higher caste. In Bihar, they are made to clean shit and dead bodies; and all this on temporary jobs basis.

The scene at temples is no better. While there are different doors for Mazhabis (lower caste sikhs) at Gurudwaras, temples in the south allow these people only for playing the drums, and not for offering prayers. Once a devotee was brutally hit on the head for mistakenly going to a higher caste door. In the Sikh community a mere 10% higher caste sikhs dominate the lower caste, which accounts for a mammoth 70% of the Sikh community.

Almost all religions have separate Mandirs, Mazjids, Gurudwaras and even churches for these ill-fated and the most unfortunate breed of living beings on Earth. How callous can this be? In miserable times we often seek blessings from our Bhagwan, Khuda, Parvar Degar and God, but its not like that for them. God has only biased them.

Its a common sight to see people changing their religion in a hope to get rid of their sufferings. But you can change your religion, not your caste. So you end up landing in the similar clutches of some other religion.

Aren't they humans? Don't they have the right to live?

Why can't they enjoy life the same way others do?

Can you imagine yourself or a close friend of yours to lead an extraordinary life like that?

They are pretty much like us. At least they deserve some dignity...

Can you offer your maid a cup of tea? If so, can you offer her tea in the same cup that you use? This is how we can change their lives. Simply by showing some respect, empathy and dignity we can make a world of difference to them.