Hindu Law and Judicature from the Dharma-Sástra of Yájnavalkya

by Yajñavalkya

[15] Manu, ch. 2, sl. 23.

[16] The Commentator explains this by a word which signifies cause or source.

[17] IV. Vedas, of which there are four, each being divided into sanhitá and bráhmaṇa.

V. Puráṇas, these (of which there are 18) treat of the origin and destruction of the world, mythological stories and genealogies, and the doings of the early Hindu monarchs.

VI. Nyáya, one of the six orthodox systems of Hindu philosophy, treating especially of logic and dialectics.

VII. Mimánsá, there are two Mimánsás: the first (pūrva) treats of the rules of duty, as derived from the Vedas, the second or subsequent (uttara) treats of Brahmá, the universal cause and soul.

VIII. Dharma Śástras, viz. Manu, Yájnavalkya, &c., the subject being divided into, 1. Ritual and moral conduct (áchára); 2. Law and judicature (vyavahára); 3. Expiations (práyaschitta).

XIV. Angas, six treatises, viz., pronunciation, grammar, prosody, explanation of obscure terms, religious rites, astronomy. These are considered appendants of the Vedas. The word angas signifies, limbs.

[18] To these twenty many others have to be added, Nárada, &c.: see [Introduction].

[19] Śruti are the Vedas; Smriti, the Dharma Śástras: such is the definition of Manu, ch. 2, sl. 10.