Many reformers note that the Manusmriti is a smriti (“remembered” text, subject to revision), not a shruti (“revealed” eternal text). Hindu law today is based on custom, equity, and secular legislation—not Manu.
Compare Manu's view on this topic directly with .
Sanskrit Transliteration: kitavān kuśīlavān krūrān pāṣaṇḍasthāṃśca mānavān | vikarmasthān śauṇḍikāṃśca kṣipraṃ nirvāsayet purāt || 225 || English Translation (Ganganath Jha): "Gamblers, dancers, cruel men, men belonging to heretical sects, men addicted to evil deeds, dealers in wine,—these the King shall instantly banish from his town." (9.225) manusmriti chapter 9 verse 225
Verse 225 acts as a summary list of the "undesirable elements" associated with these underground economies. Following this, Verse 226 explains the rationale: when these individuals live unchecked within the capital city, they secretly afflict honest citizens with their illicit behaviors. Philosophical and Political Analysis
"The King should instantly banish from his town gamblers, actors, cruel men, men belonging to heretical sects, those who do improper work, and sellers of spirituous liquor."— Translation based on the Medhatithi commentary Context and Interpretation Many reformers note that the Manusmriti is a
Here is the deep breakdown of this feature:
: A learned Brahmana or a virtuous person takes on the role of her lord. In summary, "Manusmriti Chapter 9 Verse 225" is
In summary, "Manusmriti Chapter 9 Verse 225" is not a single, straightforward statement. The most commonly cited version is a stern directive for a king to expel gamblers, actors, cruel people, heretics, those following forbidden trades, and liquor sellers from his town. However, in some important recensions and commentaries, this verse is split, making verse 9.225 a timeless ethical teaching on the necessity of respecting one's preceptor, father, mother, and elder brother, irrespective of personal difficulty. Understanding this textual ambiguity is key to any responsible engagement with the Manusmriti's complex legacy.
Kautilya also heavily regulated gamblers, actors, and liquor sellers. However, instead of blanket banishment, the Arthashastra often suggests centralizing, taxing, and utilizing them. For example, Kautilya explicitly recommends using actors, prostitutes, and liquor vendors as spies for the state's intelligence network because they have easy access to the secrets of both ordinary citizens and foreign dignitaries. Manu, taking a purely moralistic and structural legal stance, prefers total expulsion over strategic utilization. Modern Relevance and Critical Reflections
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1. The Ideal of a Harmonious State ( Ramrajya / Dharmic State )