Dharmasastra and Social Awareness

The present book contains thirty research articles which were presented and discussed in the National Seminar held at University of Poona in 1994. These articles are the best examples to Show how the Dharmasastra literature pervades various aspects of Indian Social and Cultural life. The Dharmasastra literature attempts to bring discipline in individual and social life in terms of values in which they believed in those days. Some values have been universal while other kept on changing in accordance with time. The impact of Vedic culture can never be denied in the process of the Dhamasastra’s attempt to bring order to the society.

The book contains articles on relevance of the study of Dharmasastra the terms Dharma its scope concept of Dharma and Dharmasastra woman and Dharmasastra Madhava’s concept of Dharma Human Rights and Dharmasastra Social relevance of Dharmasastra in the present context of fundamentalism vs. Secularism Sudras and the Vedic Sacrifice Historical importance of the Devaa Smrti Dhamasastra and inscription on Bhumidana. Marriage rites and social obligations four Purussarthas and their role in society rights and duties of the individual in ancient India Caste system and division of labor Kautilya’s views on punishment priests and their role in the society construction of the court building Nyayasala worship of deities and its social relevance Anadhyaya and its social relevance Dharmasastra and the study legal aspects of Dhamasastra as viewed by European Jurists Orientalists contributing to comparative Jurisprudence.

Prof. V.N. Jha is director Centre of Advanced study in Sanskrit University of Poona.

It is a matter of great pleasure to place in the hands of scholars the present volume which contains thirty research papers which were presented and discussed in the National seminar on Dharmasastra and Social Awareness at the centers of advanced study in Sanskrit University of Poona in 1994.

These articles are the best examples to show how the Dharmasastra literature pervades various aspects of Indian Social and cultural life. The Dharmasastra literature attempts to bring discipline in individual and social life in terms of values in which they believed in those days. Some values have been universal while others kept on changing in accordance with time. The impact of Vedic culture can never be denied in the process of the Dhamasastra’s attempt to bring order to the society.

Of all types of literature in Sanskrit the Dharmasastra literature is very close to Indian Society. The present volume is an attempt to highlight the social awareness reflected in the Dharmasastra literature. After late Mahamahopadhyaya P.V. Kane hardly there has been any serious attempt to project the contribution of Dharmasastra to Indian social and cultural life. It is hoped that the present volume will inspire serious scholars to initiate serious researched Dharmasastra so that the best and relevant can be given to the modern society.

Indian Books Centre deserves out appreciation for bringing out this volume. I hope the scholars in the field will welcome it.

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