Social thought as reflected in Manusmrti a historical perspective 2nd century BCE to 2nd century CE

Abstract

The structure and functioning of a society depends upon its guiding principles or values. Ours is an ancient culture having deep roots in moral and ethical values hence we need to study and concentrate on the philosophy and teachings of our ancestors. Dhármaand#347;and#257;stra is a collection of ancient Sanskrit texts that provide conduct and moral principles for Sanand#257;tani. Also the text is in uncovering historical documents which give a lot of information about ancient Indian society. Dhármaand#347;and#257;stras provides commentary on the responsibilities, duties and morals of a person s behavior toward himself, his family, and his community. Writers on Dhármaand#347;and#257;stras means dhárma, not a creed or religion, but a way of life or a code of conduct that governs the actions and activities of an individual as a member of society and as an individual and whose aim was to bring about the gradual development of a person and to enable him to reach that which was considered the universal of human existence. newline newlineManusmand#7771;ti 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 sociological theory of Manusmand#7771;ti widely varies in content and quality. It reflects the relics of the primitive infrastructure of Indian social life. Its ritualism (and#256;shram and Saand#7747;skand#257;ra) reflects a higher stage in which it is modified to sustain social organization. The Manusmand#7771;ti organizes the entire human race according to the conception in the Puruand#7779;asand#363;kta through the scheme of Varand#7751;and#257;and#347;rama-dhárma into the four natural psychological types (Varand#7751;as) of human being and the four natural stages (and#256;and#347;rama s) in each individual life. Social thought of those born in the Sanand#257;tna dhárma has been provided under the Manusmand#7771;ti in the form of a and#256;and#347;rama system that aims at defining the various stages of life and how they shall be dealt with. Hence, the main objective of the present research work is to make a humble attempt to analyze and compare Manusmand#7771;ti s perspectives on major social issues.