Often credited to Manu, the mythical progenitor of humankind, the Manusmriti belongs to the Dharmashastra family of texts that codify social, moral and legal duties. Traditional lore describes it as divine revelation imparted by the god Brahmā to Manu, but from a historical angle its composition spans centuries—roughly between the 2nd century BCE and the 3rd century CE. Layers of verses were gradually woven together, reflecting evolving norms of ancient Indian society.

European interest surged in 1794 when Sir William Jones produced the first English translation, catapulting Manusmriti into colonial debates over caste and governance. Fast forward to today, its injunctions on varṇa (caste) and gender roles still spark lively discussions. In 2021, India’s Supreme Court underscored that no ancient scripture can trump constitutional equality—a verdict that highlights how modern legal frameworks have overtaken these age-old guidelines.

Despite centuries of critique—feminist scholars pointing out its patriarchal leanings and Dalit activists challenging caste prescriptions—the text remains a touchstone for understanding how early communities envisioned dharma, or righteous living. Manusmriti isn’t a courtroom statute anymore, but it continues to cast a long shadow over contemporary conversations about justice, tradition and social reform.