Manusmriti Row: 10 Controversial Texts From Ancient Book That Will Stir You Up If You Believe In Equality

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Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced on Friday that the Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University (DU) has dismissed the proposal to include Manusmriti in the undergraduate law curriculum. He emphasized the Ministry's dedication to the Constitution and a forward-looking approach.

"There is no question of including any controversial portion of any script...," Mr. Pradhan said.

On Thursday, after learning about the proposal to incorporate Manusmriti into DU's Law Faculty course, Mr. Pradhan investigated and discussed it with the Vice-Chancellor. He mentioned, "He assured me that some law faculty member had proposed changes in the jurisprudence chapter and that such a proposal had been received by the DU administration. However, in the Academic Council meeting, there was no endorsement of any such proposal. The V-C has rejected that proposal. The government is committed to upholding the true spirit and letter of the Constitution."

Let us know more about Manusmriti and some of the controversial texts it contains.

The Manusmriti, also known as the Laws of Manu, is an ancient legal text among the many Dharmaśāstras of Hinduism. Written approximately 2,000 years ago, it has been both revered and criticized over the centuries. While it provides insights into the socio-religious norms of ancient India, certain verses have sparked considerable controversy, particularly regarding their views on caste, gender, and social hierarchy.

Here are 10 of the most controversial texts from the Manusmriti.

1. Caste System And Social Hierarchy

One of the most contentious aspects of the Manusmriti is its rigid endorsement of the caste system. The text delineates duties and privileges based on one's caste, with Brahmins (priests and scholars) placed at the top, followed by Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (merchants), and Shudras (laborers). For example, Manusmriti 1.31 states, "For the prosperity of the worlds, he caused the Brahmana, the Kshatriya, the Vaishya, and the Shudra to proceed from his mouth, his arms, his thighs, and his feet." This hierarchy has been criticized for perpetuating social inequality and discrimination.

2. Subjugation of Women

The Manusmriti contains several verses that have been widely condemned for their derogatory views on women. Manusmriti 9.3, for instance, declares, "Day and night women must be kept in dependence by the males of their families, and if they attach themselves to sensual enjoyments, they must be kept under one's control." Such texts have been criticized for promoting the subjugation and control of women, restricting their freedom and autonomy.

3. Prohibition on Inter-caste Marriages

The Manusmriti imposes strict prohibitions on inter-caste marriages, reflecting its rigid caste system. Manusmriti 3.13 states, "A Shudra who has sexual intercourse with a Brahmin woman, a Vaishya woman, or a Kshatriya woman shall be put to death." Such extreme measures against inter-caste unions are seen as promoting social segregation and discrimination.

4. Punishments for Shudras

The Manusmriti prescribes severe punishments for Shudras who breach social norms or attempt to usurp the privileges of higher castes. Manusmriti 8.272 says, "If a Shudra arrogantly teaches Brahmins their duty, the king shall cause hot oil to be poured into his mouth and into his ears." This harsh treatment underscores the oppressive nature of the caste system as articulated in the text.

5. Restrictions on Shudra Education

Education and learning were strictly regulated by caste in the Manusmriti. Manusmriti 10.129 states, "No collection of wealth must be made by a Shudra even though he be able (to do it); for a Shudra who has acquired wealth gives pain to Brahmins." This restriction not only limits social mobility but also underscores the systemic efforts to keep certain castes uneducated and subservient.

6. Widowhood And Women's Remarriage

The Manusmriti imposes stringent conditions on widows and their rights to remarry. Manusmriti 5.157 asserts, "A woman must be particularly careful about her husband, even if he is devoid of good qualities and is of bad character." Such passages have been criticized for enforcing the subjugation of women and denying them the right to rebuild their lives after the loss of a spouse.

7. Purity And Pollution

The Manusmriti places significant emphasis on purity and pollution, often in the context of caste and birth. Manusmriti 5.85-86 states, "A man who performs sacrifices to the gods or ancestors should avoid eating food offered by anyone who is impure, such as a woman in her menstrual period or a Shudra." These rules have been criticized for perpetuating stigma and discrimination against women and lower castes based on notions of impurity.

8. Dowry And Marriage

The Manusmriti's prescriptions on dowry reflect and perpetuate gender inequality. Manusmriti 9.93 suggests, "A man of thirty years shall marry a maiden of twelve who pleases him, or a man of twenty-four a girl of eight years." This not only promotes child marriage but also places undue financial and social burdens on the bride's family, reinforcing the dowry system.

9. Treatment Of Slaves

Slavery and the treatment of slaves are addressed in the Manusmriti, often in a manner that reflects the period's socio-economic structure. Manusmriti 8.413 states, "A Brahmin may compel a Shudra to perform servile duty; for he was created by the Self-existent to be the slave of a Brahmin." Such passages have been condemned for legitimizing and perpetuating the practice of slavery and servitude.

10. Inheritance Rights

The Manusmriti delineates inheritance rights in a way that discriminates against women and certain castes. Manusmriti 9.192 states, "By his male issue a man conquers the worlds, by a son's son he enjoys eternity, and by the son of his son's son he gains the world of the sun." This focus on male heirs excludes women from inheritance and perpetuates patriarchal property rights.

Knowing these controversial aspects is essential for a comprehensive study of Hindu legal and social history, as well as for addressing the lingering impacts of these ancient norms on contemporary society.