CMCL 301 Chapter Notes - Chapter 39-44: Indian Literature, Shudra, Vaishya
18 Oct 2016
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The laws of manu were written between 200 and 100 bce and is considered one of the foremost sources of legal indian literature. The text deals with defining dharma, matters of pollution and purification, funeral rites, royal law, and laws of diet. It can be viewed as one of the most extensive set of laws for society. In order to protect the universe, brahman assigned different duties and occupation to the people. Brahamanas: (cid:272)o(cid:374)sidered to (cid:271)e a holy groupi(cid:374)g of people. They"re lef ti(cid:374) (cid:272)harge of the tea(cid:272)hi(cid:374)g and studying of the veda. Kshatriya: commanded to be protectors of the people and abstain from sensual pleasures. Vaishya: assigned to be labourers of the land who take care of agricultural needs including the te(cid:374)di(cid:374)g to of (cid:272)attle. All four castes are asked to provide sacrifice often, and study the veda.
