DHARMA IN MANUSMṚTI
Agent of Social Cohesion and Equilibrium
Keywords:
dharma, marriage, family, politics, law, society, social cohesionAbstract
Dharma, through its role as a moral ideal and through its manifestations that permeate every part of the society, binds all the individuals in Manu’s society as envisaged in Manusmṛti. It serves as a common value and dictates common goals for the people that could be attained by functioning for the good of the institutions they belong to and, ultimately, for the survival of the society. Social institutions like marriage, family, varṇa system, āśrama system, political system and legal system were structured with accurate positions and roles for their efficient and smooth functioning. They were made to function compatibly with each other to ensure the survival of the society. Manu carefully avoided conflicts and competitions in the society. Thus, by acting as a cohesive agent, Dharma, as a foundational moral principle, integrates both individuals and the institutions to maintain the equilibrium of Manu’s state.
References
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Burnell, trans., The Ordinances of Manu, New Delhi: Oriental Books Reprint Corporation, 1971, 262.
Rao, “Manu’s Ideas on Administration,” The Indian Journal of Political Science 66, 3 (July-September 2005), 499.
Das, Manu’s Code of Life, vol. 1, New Delhi: Radha Publications, 1993, 49.
Dutt, Origin and Growth of Caste in India, vol 1. Calcutta: Firma K. L. Mukhopadhyay, 1968, 4-5.
Kumar, Changing Role of the Caste System, Jaipur: Rawat Publications, 2005, 49.
Rao, “Manu’s Ideas on Administration,” The Indian Journal of Political Science 66, 3 (July-September 2005), 490.
Meena Sohan Lal, “Relationship between State and Dharma in Manusmriti,” The Indian Journal of Political Science 65, 1 (January-March 2004), 30.
