When the Western world came in contact with the Indian Civilization in the early 17th century, they found many great and extraordinary textbooks in different disciplines which eventually enlightened the world. However, these textbooks were introduced in new and Western Avtar disconnecting all its relationship with India. The two books which became popular in their original form in the Western world in the 18th and 19th centuries were the Bhagavad Gita and the Manusmriti.
The Manusmriti is the Dharma Shastra whereas the Bhagavad Gita is the Moksha Shastra. The Indian culture classifies human pursuit into four categories viz., Dharma, Artha, Kaam, and Moksha, thus the the four classes of literature are found in Indian culture. The Dharma and Moksha are considered as spiritual pursuit whereas the Artha and Kaam are considered as worldly pursuit. The contrast between the Bhagavad Gita and the Manu Smriti is very interesting. The Bhagavad Gita aims at Dharma with complete text dedicated to Moksha where as the Manusmriti aims at Moksha with complete text dedicated to Dharma. Therefore, for true spiritual seekers, it is better to study both texts together as complimentary to each other.
Although God explicitly stated that all four varnas were originated by Him in the Bhagavad Gita, it still enjoys reverence. In contrast, the Manusmriti became controversial in the 20th century due to its references to varnas. The Manusmriti was under attack due to political reasons in colonised India as it was without any protection like all other Hindu texts.
Balancing individual freedoms with social responsibilities, Manusmriti promotes the interconnectedness of personal growth and societal harmony. It encourages individuals to pursue self-realisation while recognising the importance of maintaining social equilibrium. The text contains elements of metaphor and allegory, inviting readers to explore deeper layers of meaning and presenting a narrative that transcends surface-level instructions.
Manusmriti emerges as a dynamic and evolving text that encourages critical reflection, embraces diversity, and presents a holistic vision of individual life and societal well-being. Interpreting it through this lens allows for a more nuanced understanding, challenging conventional perceptions and revealing the richness of ancient Indian intellectual traditions.
