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TheLawsofManuIX

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CHAPTERIX.
1.Iwillnowpropoundtheeternallawsforahusbandandhiswifewhokeeptothepathofduty,whether
theybeunitedorseparated.
2.Dayandnightwomanmustbekeptindependencebythemales(of)their(families),and,iftheyattach
themselvestosensualenjoyments,theymustbekeptunderone'scontrol.
3.Herfatherprotects(her)inchildhood,herhusbandprotects(her)inyouth,andhersonsprotect(her)in
oldageawomanisneverfitforindependence.
4.Reprehensibleisthefatherwhogivesnot(hisdaughterinmarriage)atthepropertimereprehensible
isthehusbandwhoapproachesnot(hiswifeindueseason),andreprehensibleisthesonwhodoesnot
protecthismotherafterherhusbandhasdied.
5.Womenmustparticularlybeguardedagainstevilinclinations,howevertrifling(theymayappear)for,
iftheyarenotguarded,theywillbringsorrowontwofamilies.
6.Consideringthatthehighestdutyofallcastes,evenweakhusbands(must)strivetoguardtheirwives.
7.Hewhocarefullyguardshiswife,preserves(thepurityof)hisoffspring,virtuousconduct,hisfamily,
himself,andhis(meansofacquiring)merit.
8.Thehusband,afterconceptionbyhiswife,becomesanembryoandisbornagainofherforthatisthe
wifehoodofawife(gaya),thatheisborn(gayate)againbyher.
9.Asthemaleistowhomawifecleaves,evensoisthesonwhomshebringsforthlethimtherefore
carefullyguardhiswife,inordertokeephisoffspringpure.
10.Nomancancompletelyguardwomenbyforcebuttheycanbeguardedbytheemploymentofthe
(following)expedients:
11.Letthe(husband)employhis(wife)inthecollectionandexpenditureofhiswealth,inkeeping
(everything)clean,in(thefulfilmentof)religiousduties,inthepreparationofhisfood,andinlooking
afterthehouseholdutensils.
12.Women,confinedinthehouseundertrustworthyandobedientservants,arenot(well)guardedbut
thosewhooftheirownaccordkeepguardoverthemselves,arewellguarded.
13.Drinking(spirituousliquor),associatingwithwickedpeople,separationfromthehusband,rambling
abroad,sleeping(atunseasonablehours),anddwellinginothermen'shouses,arethesixcausesofthe
ruinofwomen.
14.Womendonotcareforbeauty,noristheirattentionfixedonage(thinking),'(Itisenoughthat)heis
aman,'theygivethemselvestothehandsomeandtotheugly.
15.Throughtheirpassionformen,throughtheirmutabletemper,throughtheirnaturalheartlessness,they
becomedisloyaltowardstheirhusbands,howevercarefullytheymaybeguardedinthis(world).
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16.Knowingtheirdisposition,whichtheLordofcreatureslaidinthematthecreation,tobesuch,
(every)manshouldmoststrenuouslyexerthimselftoguardthem.
17.(Whencreatingthem)Manuallottedtowomen(aloveoftheir)bed,(oftheir)seatand(of)ornament,
impuredesires,wrath,dishonesty,malice,andbadconduct.
18.Forwomenno(sacramental)rite(isperformed)withsacredtexts,thusthelawissettledwomen
(whoare)destituteofstrengthanddestituteof(theknowledgeof)Vedictexts,(areasimpureas)
falsehood(itself),thatisafixedrule.
19.AndtothiseffectmanysacredtextsaresungalsointheVedas,inorderto(make)fullyknownthe
truedisposition(ofwomen)hear(nowthosetextswhichreferto)theexpiationoftheir(sins).
20.'Ifmymother,goingastrayandunfaithful,conceivedillicitdesires,maymyfatherkeepthatseed
fromme,'thatisthescripturaltext.
21.Ifawomanthinksinherheartofanythingthatwouldpainherhusband,the(abovementionedtext)is
declared(tobeameansfor)completelyremovingsuchinfidelity.
22.Whateverbethequalitiesofthemanwithwhomawomanisunitedaccordingtothelaw,such
qualitiesevensheassumes,likeariver(united)withtheocean.
23.Akshamala,awomanofthelowestbirth,beingunitedtoVasishthaandSarangi,(beingunited)to
Mandapala,becameworthyofhonour.
24.Theseandotherfemalesoflowbirthhaveattainedeminenceinthisworldbytherespectivegood
qualitiesoftheirhusbands.
25.Thushasbeendeclaredtheeverpurepopularusage(whichregulatestherelations)betweenhusband
andwifehear(next)thelawsconcerningchildrenwhicharethecauseofhappinessinthisworldand
afterdeath.
26.Betweenwives(striyah)who(aredestined)tobearchildren,whosecuremanyblessings,whoare
worthyofworshipandirradiate(their)dwellings,andbetweenthegoddessesoffortune(sriyah,who
reside)inthehouses(ofmen),thereisnodifferencewhatsoever.
27.Theproductionofchildren,thenurtureofthoseborn,andthedailylifeofmen,(ofthesematters)
womanisvisiblythecause.
28.Offspring,(thedueperformanceonreligiousrites,faithfulservice,highestconjugalhappinessand
heavenlyblissfortheancestorsandoneself,dependonone'swifealone.
29.Shewho,controllingherthoughts,speech,andacts,violatesnotherdutytowardsherlord,dwells
withhim(afterdeath)inheaven,andinthisworldiscalledbythevirtuousafaithful(wife,sadhvi)
30.Butfordisloyaltytoherhusbandawifeiscensuredamongmen,and(inhernextlife)sheisbornin
thewombofajackalandtormentedbydiseases,thepunishmentofhersin.
31.Listen(now)tothefollowingholydiscussion,salutarytoallmen,whichthevirtuous(ofthepresent
day)andtheancientgreatsageshaveheldconcerningmaleoffspring.
32.They(all)saythatthemaleissue(ofawoman)belongstothelord,butwithrespecttothe(meaning
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oftheterm)lordtherevealedtextsdiffersomecallthebegetter(ofthechildthelord),othersdeclare
(thatitis)theownerofthesoil.
33.Bythesacredtraditionthewomanisdeclaredtobethesoil,themanisdeclaredtobetheseedthe
productionofallcorporealbeings(takesplace)throughtheunionofthesoilwiththeseed.
34.Insomecasestheseedismoredistinguished,andinsomethewombofthefemalebutwhenbothare
equal,theoffspringismosthighlyesteemed.
35.Oncomparingtheseedandthereceptacle(oftheseed),theseedisdeclaredtobemoreimportantfor
theoffspringofallcreatedbeingsismarkedbythecharacteristicsoftheseed.
36.Whatever(kindonseedissowninafield,preparedindueseason,(aplant)ofthatsamekind,marked
withthepeculiarqualitiesoftheseed,springsupinit.
37.Thisearth,indeed,iscalledtheprimevalwombofcreatedbeingsbuttheseeddevelopsnotinits
developmentanypropertiesofthewomb.
38.Inthisworldseedsofdifferentkinds,sownatthepropertimeintheland,eveninonefield,come
forth(each)accordingtoitskind.
39.Therice(called)vrihiand(thatcalled)sali,mudgabeans,sesamum,mashabeans,barley,leeks,and
sugarcane,(all)springupaccordingtotheirseed.
40.Thatone(plant)shouldbesownandanotherbeproducedcannothappenwhateverseedissown,(a
plantof)thatkindevencomesforth.
41.Neverthereforemustaprudentwelltrainedman,whoknowstheVedaanditsAngasanddesires
longlife,cohabitwithanother'swife.
42.Withrespecttothis(matter),thoseacquaintedwiththepastrecitesomestanzas,sungbyVayu(the
Wind,toshow)thatseedmustnotbesownby(any)manonthatwhichbelongstoanother.
43.Asthearrow,shotby(ahunter)whoafterwardshitsawounded(deer)inthewound(madeby
another),isshotinvain,evensotheseed,sownonwhatbelongstoanother,isquicklylost(tothesower).
44.(Sages)whoknowthepastcallthisearth(prithivi)eventhewifeofPrithutheydeclareafieldto
belongtohimwhoclearedawaythetimber,andadeertohimwho(first)woundedit.
45.Heonlyisaperfectmanwhoconsists(ofthreepersonsunited),hiswife,himself,andhisoffspring
thus(saystheVeda),and(learned)Brahmanaspropoundthis(maxim)likewise,'Thehusbandisdeclared
tobeonewiththewife.'
46.Neitherbysalenorbyrepudiationisawifereleasedfromherhusbandsuchweknowthelawtobe,
whichtheLordofcreatures(Pragapati)madeofold.
47.Onceisthepartition(oftheinheritance)made,(onceis)amaidengiveninmarriage,(and)oncedoes
(aman)say,'Iwillgive'eachofthosethree(actsisdone)onceonly.
48.Aswithcows,mares,femalecamels,slavegirls,buffalocows,shegoats,andewes,itisnotthe
begetter(orhisowner)whoobtainstheoffspring,eventhus(itis)withthewivesofothers.
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49.Thosewho,havingnopropertyinafield,butpossessingseedcorn,sowitinanother'ssoil,doindeed
notreceivethegrainofthecropwhichmayspringup.
50.If(oneman's)bullweretobegetahundredcalvesonanotherman'scows,theywouldbelongtothe
ownerofthecowsinvainwouldthebullhavespenthisstrength.
51.Thusmenwhohavenomaritalpropertyinwomen,butsowtheirseedinthesoilofothers,benefitthe
ownerofthewomanbutthegiveroftheseedreapsnoadvantage.
52.Ifnoagreementwithrespecttothecrophasbeenmadebetweentheownerofthefieldandtheowner
oftheseed,thebenefitclearlybelongstotheownerofthefieldthereceptacleismoreimportantthanthe
seed.
53.Butifbyaspecialcontract(afield)ismadeover(toanother)forsowing,thentheowneroftheseed
andtheownerofthesoilarebothconsideredinthisworldassharersofthe(crop).
54.Ifseedbecarriedbywaterorwindintosomebody'sfieldandgerminates(there),the(plantsprung
fromthat)seedbelongseventotheownerofthefield,theowneroftheseeddoesnotreceivethecrop.
55.Knowthatsuchisthelawconcerningtheoffspringofcows,mares,slavegirls,femalecamels,she
goats,andewes,aswellasoffemalesofbirdsandbuffalocows.
56.ThusthecomparativeimportanceoftheseedandofthewombhasbeendeclaredtoyouIwillnext
propoundthelaw(applicable)towomenintimesofmisfortune.
57.Thewifeofanelderbrotherisforhisyounger(brother)thewifeofaGurubutthewifeofthe
youngerisdeclared(tobe)thedaughterinlawoftheelder.
58.Anelder(brother)whoapproachesthewifeoftheyounger,andayounger(brotherwhoapproaches)
thewifeoftheelder,exceptintimesofmisfortune,bothbecomeoutcasts,eventhough(theywereduly)
authorised.
59.Onfailureofissue(byherhusband)awomanwhohasbeenauthorised,mayobtain,(inthe)proper
(mannerprescribed),thedesiredoffspringby(cohabitationwith)abrotherinlawor(withsomeother)
Sapinda(ofthehusband).
60.He(whois)appointedto(cohabitwith)thewidowshall(approachher)atnightanointedwith
clarifiedbutterandsilent,(and)begetoneson,bynomeansasecond.
61.Some(sages),versedinthelaw,consideringthepurposeoftheappointmentnottohavebeenattained
bythosetwo(onthebirthofthefirst),thinkthatasecond(son)maybelawfullyprocreatedon(such)
women.
62.Butwhenthepurposeoftheappointmentto(cohabitwith)thewidowbasbeenattainedin
accordancewiththelaw,thosetwoshallbehavetowardseachotherlikeafatherandadaughterinlaw.
63.Ifthosetwo(beingthus)appointeddeviatefromtheruleandactfromcarnaldesire,theywillboth
becomeoutcasts,(asmen)whodefilethebedofadaughterinlaworofaGuru.
64.Bytwicebornmenawidowmustnotbeappointedto(cohabitwith)anyother(thanherhusband)
fortheywhoappoint(her)toanother(man),willviolatetheeternallaw.
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65.Inthesacredtextswhichrefertomarriagetheappointment(ofwidows)isnowherementioned,noris
theremarriageofwidowsprescribedintherulesconcerningmarriage.
66.Thispracticewhichisreprehendedbythelearnedofthetwiceborncastesasfitforcattleissaid(to
haveoccurred)evenamongmen,whileVenaruled.
67.Thatchiefofroyalsageswhoformerlypossessedthewholeworld,causedaconfusionofthecastes
(varna),hisintellectbeingdestroyedbylust.
68.Sincethat(time)thevirtuouscensurethat(man)whoinhisfollyappointsawoman,whosehusband
died,to(bear)children(toanotherman).
69.Ifthe(future)husbandofamaidendiesaftertrothverballyplighted,herbrotherinlawshallwedher
accordingtothefollowingrule.
70.Having,accordingtotherule,espousedher(whomustbe)cladinwhitegarmentsandbeintenton
purity,heshallapproachheronceineachproperseasonuntilissue(behad).
71.Letnoprudentman,aftergivinghisdaughtertoone(man),giveheragaintoanotherforhewho
gives(hisdaughter)whomhehadbeforegiven,incurs(theguiltof)speakingfalselyregardingahuman
being.
72.Though(aman)mayhaveacceptedadamselindueform,hemayabandon(herifshebe)blemished,
diseased,ordeflowered,and(ifshehavebeen)givenwithfraud.
73.Ifanybodygivesawayamaidenpossessingblemisheswithoutdeclaringthem,(thebridegroom)may
annulthat(contract)withtheevilmindedgiver.
74.Amanwhohasbusiness(abroad)maydepartaftersecuringamaintenanceforhiswifeforawife,
eventhoughvirtuous,maybecorruptedifshebedistressedbywantofsubsistence.
75.If(thehusband)wentonajourneyafterproviding(forher),thewifeshallsubjectherselftorestraints
inherdailylifebutifhedepartedwithoutproviding(forher),shemaysubsistbyblamelessmanual
work.
76.Ifthehusbandwentabroadforsomesacredduty,(she)mustwaitforhimeightyears,if(hewent)to
(acquire)learningorfamesix(years),if(hewent)forpleasurethreeyears.
77.Foroneyearletahusbandbearwithawifewhohateshimbutafter(thelapseof)ayearlethim
depriveherofherpropertyandceasetocohabitwithher.
78.Shewhoshowsdisrespectto(ahusband)whoisaddictedto(someevil)passion,isadrunkard,or
diseased,shallbedesertedforthreemonths(andbe)deprivedofherornamentsandfurniture.
79.Butshewhoshowsaversiontowardsamadoroutcast(husband),aeunuch,onedestituteofmanly
strength,oroneafflictedwithsuchdiseasesaspunishcrimes,shallneitherbecastoffnorbedeprivedof
herproperty.
80.Shewhodrinksspirituousliquor,isofbadconduct,rebellious,diseased,mischievous,orwasteful,
mayatanytimebesuperseded(byanotherwife).
81.Abarrenwifemaybesupersededintheeighthyear,shewhosechildren(all)dieinthetenth,shewho
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bearsonlydaughtersintheeleventh,butshewhoisquarrelsomewithoutdelay.
82.Butasickwifewhoiskind(toherhusband)andvirtuousinherconduct,maybesuperseded(only)
withherownconsentandmustneverbedisgraced.
83.Awifewho,beingsuperseded,inangerdepartsfrom(herhusband's)house,musteitherbeinstantly
confinedorcastoffinthepresenceofthefamily.
84.Butshewho,thoughhavingbeenforbidden,drinksspirituousliquorevenatfestivals,orgoesto
publicspectaclesorassemblies,shallbefinedsixkrishnalas.
85.Iftwicebornmenwedwomenoftheirownandofother(lowercastes),theseniority,honour,and
habitationofthose(wives)mustbe(settled)accordingtotheorderofthecastes(varna).
86.Amongall(twicebornmen)thewifeofequalcastealone,notawifeofadifferentcastebyany
means,shallpersonallyattendherhusbandandassisthiminhisdailysacredrites.
87.Buthewhofoolishlycausesthat(duty)tobeperformedbyanother,whilehiswifeofequalcasteis
alive,isdeclaredbytheancients(tobe)as(despicable)asaKandala(sprungfromthe)Brahmana(caste).
88.Toadistinguished,handsomesuitor(of)equal(caste)should(afather)givehisdaughterin
accordancewiththeprescribedrule,thoughshehavenotattained(theproperage).
89.(But)themaiden,thoughmarriageable,shouldratherstopin(thefather's)houseuntildeath,thanthat
heshouldevergivehertoamandestituteofgoodqualities.
90.Threeyearsletadamselwait,thoughshebemarriageablebutafterthattimeletherchoosefor
herselfabridegroom(of)equal(casteandrank).
91.If,beingnotgiveninmarriage,sheherselfseeksahusband,sheincursnoguilt,nor(does)hewhom
sheweds.
92.Amaidenwhochosesforherself,shallnottakewithheranyornaments,givenbyherfatherorher
mother,orherbrothersifshecarriesthemaway,itwillbetheft.
93.Buthewhotakes(towife)amarriageabledamsel,shallnotpayanynuptialfeetoherfatherforthe
(latter)willlosehisdominionoverherinconsequenceofhispreventing(thelegitimateresultofthe
appearanceof)herenemies.
94.Aman,agedthirtyyears,shallmarryamaidenoftwelvewhopleaseshim,oramanoftwentyfoura
girleightyearsofageif(theperformanceof)hisdutieswould(otherwise)beimpeded,(hemustmarry)
sooner.
95.Thehusbandreceiveshiswifefromthegods,(hedoesnotwedher)accordingtohisownwilldoing
whatisagreeabletothegods,hemustalwayssupporther(whilesheis)faithful.
96.Tobemotherswerewomencreated,andtobefathersmenreligiousrites,therefore,areordainedin
theVedatobeperformed(bythehusband)togetherwiththewife.
97.If,afterthenuptialfeehasbeenpaidforamaiden,thegiverofthefeedies,sheshallbegivenin
marriagetohisbrother,incasesheconsents.
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98.EvenaSudraoughtnottotakeanuptialfee,whenhegivesawayhisdaughterforhewhotakesafee
sellhisdaughter,covering(thetransactionbyanothername).
99.Neitherancientsnormodernswhoweregoodmenhavedonesuch(adeed)that,afterpromising(a
daughter)tooneman,theyhavehertoanother
100.Nor,indeed,haveweheard,eveninformercreations,ofsuch(athingas)thecovertsaleofa
daughterforafixedprice,calledanuptialfee.
101.'Letmutualfidelitycontinueuntildeath,'thismaybeconsideredasthesummaryofthehighestlaw
forhusbandandwife.
102.Letmanandwoman,unitedinmarriage,constantlyexertthemselves,that(theymaynotbe)
disunited(and)maynotviolatetheirmutualfidelity.
103.Thushasbeendeclaredtoyouthelawforahusbandandhiswife,whichisintimatelyconnected
withconjugalhappiness,andthemannerofraisingoffspringintimesofcalamitylearn(nowthelaw
concerning)thedivisionoftheinheritance.
104.Afterthedeathofthefatherandofthemother,thebrothers,beingassembled,maydivideamong
themselvesinequalsharesthepaternal(andthematernal)estatefor,theyhavenopower(overit)while
theparentslive.
105.(Or)theeldestalonemaytakethewholepaternalestate,theothersshallliveunderhimjustas(they
lived)undertheirfather.
106.Immediatelyonthebirthofhisfirstbornamanis(called)thefatherofasonandisfreedfromthe
debttothemanesthat(son),therefore,isworthy(toreceive)thewholeestate.
107.Thatsonaloneonwhomhethrowshisdebtandthroughwhomheobtainsimmortality,isbegotten
for(thefulfilmentof)thelawalltheresttheyconsidertheoffspringofdesire.
108.Asafather(supports)hissons,solettheeldestsupporthisyoungerbrothers,andletthemalsoin
accordancewiththelawbehavetowardstheireldestbrotherassons(behavetowardstheirfather).
109.Theeldest(son)makesthefamilyprosperousor,onthecontrary,bringsittoruintheeldest(is
considered)amongmenmostworthyofhonour,theeldestisnottreatedwithdisrespectbythevirtuous.
110.Iftheeldestbrotherbehavesasaneldestbrother(oughttodo),he(mustbetreated)likeamother
andlikeafatherbutifhebehavesinamannerunworthyofaneldestbrother,heshouldyetbehonoured
likeakinsman.
111.Eitherletthemthuslivetogether,orapart,if(each)desires(togain)spiritualmeritfor(bytheir
living)separate(their)meritincreases,henceseparationismeritorious.
112.Theadditionalshare(deducted)fortheeldestshallbeonetwentieth(oftheestate)andthebestof
allchattels,forthemiddlemosthalfofthat,butfortheyoungestonefourth.
113.Boththeeldestandtheyoungestshalltake(theirshares)accordingto(therulejust)stated(eachof)
thosewhoarebetweentheeldestandtheyoungest,shallhavetheshare(prescribedforthe)middlemost.
114.Amongthegoodsofeverykindtheeldestshalltakethebest(article),and(evenasinglechattel)
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whichisparticularlygood,aswellasthebestoften(animals).
115.Butamong(brothers)equallyskilledintheiroccupations,thereisnoadditionalshare,(consistingof
thebestanimal)amongtensometrifleonlyshallbegiventotheeldestasatokenofrespect.
116.Ifadditionalsharesarethusdeducted,onemustallotequalshares(outoftheresiduetoeach)butif
nodeductionismade,theallotmentofthesharesamongthemshallbe(made)inthefollowingmanner.
117.Lettheeldestsontakeoneshareinexcess,the(brother)bornnextafterhimone(share)andahalf,
theyoungeronesoneshareeachthusthelawissettled.
118.Buttothemaiden(sisters)thebrothersshallseverallygive(portions)outoftheirshares,eachoutof
hisshareonefourthpartthosewhorefusetogive(it),willbecomeoutcasts.
119.Lethimneverdivide(thevalueof)asinglegoatorsheep,ora(singlebeast)withunclovenhoofsit
isprescribed(that)asinglegoatorsheep(remainingafteranequaldivision,belongs)totheeldestalone.
120.Ifayoungerbrotherbegetsasononthewifeoftheelder,thedivisionmustthenbemadeequally
thisthelawissettled.
121.Therepresentative(thesonbegottenonthewife)isnotinvestedwiththerightoftheprincipal(the
eldestbrothertoanadditionalshare)theprincipal(became)afatherontheprocreation(ofasonbyhis
youngerbrother)henceoneshouldgiveasharetothe(sonbegottenonthewifeoftheelderbrother)
accordingtotherule(statedabove).
122.Iftherebeadoubt,howthedivisionshallbemade,incasetheyoungersonisbornoftheelderwife
andtheeldersonoftheyoungerwife,
123.(Thentheson)bornofthefirstwifeshalltakeashisadditionalshareone(mostexcellent)bullthe
nextbestbulls(shallbelong)tothose(whoare)inferioronaccountoftheirmothers.
124.Buttheeldest(son,being)bornoftheeldestwife,shallreceivefifteencowsandabull,theother
sonsmaythentakesharesaccordingto(theseniorityof)theirmothersthatisasettledrule.
125.Betweensonsbornofwivesequal(incaste)(and)without(anyother)distinctionnoseniorityin
rightofthemotherexistsseniorityisdeclared(tobe)accordingtobirth.
126.AndwithrespecttotheSubrahmanya(texts)alsoitisrecordedthattheinvocation(ofIndrashallbe
made)bythefirstborn,oftwinslikewise,(conceivedatonetime)inthewombs(oftheirmothers)the
seniorityisdeclared(todepend)on(actual)birth.
127.Hewhohasnosonmaymakehisdaughterinthefollowingmanneranappointeddaughter(putrika,
sayingtoherhusband),'The(male)child,bornofher,shallperformmyfuneralrites.'
128.AccordingtothisruleDaksha,himself,lordofcreatedbeings,formerlymade(allhisfemale
offspring)appointeddaughtersinordertomultiplyhisrace.
129.HegavetentoDharma,thirteentoKasyapa,twentyseventoKingSoma,honouring(them)withan
affectionateheart.
130.Asoniseven(as)oneself,(such)adaughterisequaltoasonhowcananother(heir)taketheestate,
whilesuch(anappointeddaughterwhoiseven)oneself,lives?
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131.Butwhatevermaybetheseparatepropertyofthemother,thatistheshareoftheunmarrieddaughter
aloneandthesonofan(appointed)daughtershalltakethewholeestateof(hismaternalgrandfather)
wholeavesnoson.
132.Thesonofan(appointed)daughter,indeed,shall(also)taketheestateofhis(own)father,who
leavesno(other)sonheshall(then)presenttwofuneralcakestohisownfatherandtohismaternal
grandfather.
133.Betweenason'ssonandthesonofan(appointed)daughterthereisnodifference,neitherwith
respecttoworldlymattersnortosacreddutiesfortheirfatherandmotherbothsprangfromthebodyof
thesame(man).
134.Butif,afteradaughterhasbeenappointed,asonbeborn(toherfather),thedivision(ofthe
inheritance)mustinthat(case)beequalforthereisnorightofprimogenitureforawoman.
135.Butifanappointeddaughterbyaccidentdieswithout(leaving)ason,thehusbandoftheappointed
daughtermay,withouthesitation,takethatestate.
136.Throughthatsonwhom(adaughter),eithernotappointedorappointed,maybearto(ahusband)of
equal(caste),hismaternalgrandfather(has)ason'ssonheshallpresentthefuneralcakeandtakethe
estate.
137.Throughasonheconquerstheworlds,throughason'ssonheobtainsimmortality,butthroughhis
son'sgrandsonhegainstheworldofthesun.
138.Becauseasondelivers(trayate)hisfatherfromthehellcalledPut,hewasthereforecalledputtra(a
delivererfromPut)bytheSelfexistent(Svayambhu)himself.
139.Betweenason'ssonandthesonofadaughterthereexistsinthisworldnodifferenceforeventhe
sonofadaughtersaveshim(whohasnosons)inthenextworld,liketheson'sson.
140.Letthesonofanappointeddaughterfirstpresentafuneralcaketohismother,thesecondtoher
father,thefuneraltohisfather'sfather.
141.Ofthemanwhohasanadopted(Datrima)sonpossessingallgoodqualities,thatsame(son)shall
taketheinheritance,thoughbroughtfromanotherfamily.
142.Anadoptedsonshallnevertakethefamily(name)andtheestateofhisnaturalfatherthefuneral
cakefollowsthefamily(name)andtheestate,thefuneralofferingsofhimwhogives(hissonin
adoption)cease(asfarasthatsonisconcerned).
143.Thesonofawife,notappointed(tohaveissuebyanother),andhewhom(anappointedfemale,
already)themotherofason,bearstoherbrotherinlaw,arebothunworthyofashare,(onebeing)the
sonofanadultererand(theother)producedthrough(mere)lust.
144.Eventhemale(child)ofafemale(duly)appointed,notbegottenaccordingtotherule(givenabove),
isunworthyofthepaternalestateforhewasprocreatedbyanoutcast.
145.Ason(legally)begottenonsuchanappointedfemaleshallinheritlikealegitimatesonofthebody
forthatseedandtheproducebelong,accordingtothelaw,totheownerofthesoil.
146.Hewhotakescareofhisdeceasedbrother'sestateandofhiswidow,shall,afterraisingupasonfor
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hisbrother,givethatpropertyeventothat(son).
147.Ifawoman(duly)appointedbearsasontoherbrotherinlawortoanother(Sapinda),that(son,if
heis)begottenthroughdesire,theydeclare(tobe)incapableofinheritingandtobeproducedinvain.
148.Therules(givenabove)mustbeunderstood(toapply)toadistributionamongsonsofwomenofthe
same(caste)hear(nowthelaw)concerningthosebegottenbyonemanonmanywivesofdifferent
(castes).
149.IftherebefourwivesofaBrahmanainthedirectorderofthecastes,theruleforthedivision(ofthe
estate)amongthesonsbornofthemisasfollows:
150.The(slave)whotills(thefield),thebullkeptforimpregnatingcows,thevehicle,theornaments,and
thehouseshallbegivenasanadditionalportiontotheBrahmana(son),andonemostexcellentshare.
151.LetthesonoftheBrahmana(wife)takethreesharesofthe(remainderofthe)estate,thesonofthe
Kshatriyatwo,thesonoftheVaisyaashareandahalf,andthesonoftheSudramaytakeoneshare.
152.Orlethimwhoknowsthelawmaketensharesofthewholeestate,andjustlydistributethem
accordingtothefollowingrule:
153.TheBrahmana(son)shalltakefourshares,sonoftheKshatriya(wife)three,thesonoftheVaisya
shallhavetwoparts,thesonoftheSudramaytakeoneshare.
154.Whether(aBrahmana)havesonsorhavenosons(bywivesofthetwiceborncastes),the(heir)
must,accordingtothelaw,givetothesonofaSudra(wife)nomorethanatenth(partofhisestate).
155.ThesonofaBrahmana,aKshatriya,andaVaisyabyaSudra(wife)receivesnoshareofthe
inheritancewhateverhisfathermaygivetohim,thatshallbehisproperty.
156.Allthesonsoftwicebornmen,bornofwivesofthesamecaste,shallequallydividetheestate,after
theothershavegiventotheeldestanadditionalshare.
157.ForaSudraisordainedawifeofhisowncasteonly(and)nootherthosebornofhershallhave
equalshares,eveniftherebeahundredsons.
158.AmongthetwelvesonsofmenwhomManu,sprungfromtheSelfexistent(Svayambhu),
enumerates,sixarekinsmenandheirs,andsixnotheirs,(but)kinsmen.
159.Thelegitimatesonofthebody,thesonbegottenonawife,thesonadopted,thesonmade,theson
secretlyborn,andthesoncastoff,(are)thesixheirsandkinsmen.
160.Thesonofanunmarrieddamsel,thesonreceivedwiththewife,thesonbought,thesonbegottenon
aremarriedwoman,thesonselfgiven,andthesonofaSudrafemale,(are)thesix(whoare)notheirs,
(but)kinsmen.
161.Whateverresultamanobtainswho(triesto)crossa(sheetof)waterinanunsafeboat,eventhat
resultobtainshewho(triesto)passthegloom(ofthenextworld)with(thehelpof)bad(substitutesfora
real)son.
162.Ifthetwoheirsofonemanbealegitimatesonofhisbodyandasonbegottenonhiswife,each(of
thetwosons),totheexclusionoftheother,shalltaketheestateofhis(natural)father.
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163.Thelegitimatesonofthebodyalone(shallbe)theownerofthepaternalestatebut,inorderto
avoidharshness,lethimallowamaintenancetotherest.
164.Butwhenthelegitimatesonofthebodydividesthepaternalestate,heshallgiveonesixthorone
fifthpartofhisfather'spropertytothesonbegottenonthewife.
165.Thelegitimatesonandthesonofthewife(thus)sharethefather'sestatebuttheothertellbecome
membersofthefamily,andinheritaccordingtotheirorder(eachlaternamedonfailureofthosenamed
earlier).
166.Himwhomamanbegetsonhisownweddedwife,lethimknowtobealegitimatesonofthebody
(Aurasa),thefirstinrank.
167.Hewhowasbegottenaccordingtothepeculiarlaw(oftheNiyoga)ontheappointedwifeofadead
man,ofaeunuch,orofonediseased,iscalledasonbegottenonawife(Kshetraga).
168.That(boy)equal(bycaste)whomhismotherorhisfatheraffectionatelygive,(confirmingthegift)
with(alibationof)water,intimesofdistress(toaman)ashisson,mustbeconsideredasanadoptedson
(Datrima).
169.Butheisconsideredasonmade(Kritrima)whom(aman)makeshisson,(hebeing)equal(by
caste),acquaintedwith(thedistinctionsbetween)rightandwrong,(and)endowedwithfilialvirtues.
170.If(achild)beborninaman'shouseandhisfatherbenotknown,heisasonbornsecretlyinthe
house(Gudhotpanna),andshallbelongtohimofwhosewifehewasborn.
171.Hewhom(aman)receivesashisson,(afterhehasbeen)desertedbyhisparentsorbyeitherof
them,iscalledasoncastoff(Apaviddha).
172.Asonwhomadamselsecretlybearsinthehouseofherfather,oneshallnamethesonofan
unmarrieddamsel(Kanina,anddeclare)suchoffspringofanunmarriedgirl(tobelong)tohimwhoweds
her(afterwards).
173.Ifonemarries,eitherknowinglyorunknowingly,apregnant(bride),thechildinherwombbelongs
tohimwhowedsher,andiscalled(ason)receivedwiththebride(Sahodha).
174.Ifamanbuysa(boy),whetherequalorunequal(ingoodqualities),fromhisfatherandmotherfor
thesakeofhavingason,that(child)iscalleda(son)bought(Kritaka).
175.Ifawomanabandonedbyherhusband,orawidow,ofherownaccordcontractsasecondmarriage
andbears(ason),heiscalledthesonofaremarriedwoman(Paunarbhava).
176.Ifshebe(still)avirgin,oronewhoreturned(toherfirsthusband)afterleavinghim,sheisworthy
toagainperformwithhersecond(orfirstdeserted)husbandthe(nuptial)ceremony.
177.Hewho,havinglosthisparentsorbeingabandoned(bythem)without(just)cause,giveshimselfto
a(man),iscalledasonselfgiven(Svayamdatta).
178.ThesonwhomaBrahmanabegetsthroughlustonaSudrafemaleis,(though)alive(parayan),a
corpse(sava),andhencecalledaParasava(alivingcorpse).
179.Asonwhois(begotten)byaSudraonafemaleslave,oronthefemaleslaveofhisslave,may,if
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permitted(byhisfather),takeashare(oftheinheritance)thusthelawissettled.
180.Theseeleven,thesonbegottenonthewifeandtherestasenumerated(above),thewisecall
substitutesforason,(taken)inorder(toprevent)afailureofthe(funeral)ceremonies.
181.Thosesons,whohavebeenmentionedinconnectionwith(thelegitimatesonofthebody),being
begottenbystrangers,belong(inreality)tohimfromwhoseseedtheysprang,butnottotheother(man
whotookthem).
182.Ifamongbrothers,sprungfromone(father),onehaveason,Manuhasdeclaredthemalltohave
maleoffspringthroughthatson.
183.Ifamongallthewivesofonehusbandonehaveason,Manudeclaresthemall(tobe)mothersof
malechildrenthroughthatson.
184.Onfailureofeachbetter(son),eachnextinferior(one)isworthyoftheinheritancebutiftherebe
many(of)equal(rank),theyshallallsharetheestate.
185.Notbrothers,norfathers,(but)sonstakethepaternalestatebutthefathershalltaketheinheritance
of(ason)wholeavesnomaleissue,andhisbrothers.
186.Tothree(ancestors)watermustbeoffered,tothreethefuneralcakeisgiven,thefourth(descendant
is)thegiverofthese(oblations),thefifthhasnoconnection(withthem).
187.Alwaystothat(relativewithinthreedegrees)whoisnearesttothe(deceased)Sapindatheestate
shallbelongafterwardsaSakulyashallbe(theheir,then)thespiritualteacherorthepupil.
188.Butonfailureofall(heirs)Brahmanas(shall)sharetheestate,(whoare)versedtheinthethree
Vedas,pureandselfcontrolledthusthelawisnotviolated.
189.ThepropertyofaBrahmanamustneverbetakenbytheking,thatisasettledrulebut(theproperty
ofmen)ofothercastesthekingmaytakeonfailureofall(heirs).
190.(Ifthewidow)of(aman)whodiedwithoutleavingissue,raisesuptohimasonbyamemberofthe
family(Sagotra),sheshalldelivertothat(son)thewholepropertywhichbelongedtothe(deceased).
191.Butiftwo(sons),begottenbytwo(differentmen),contendfortheproperty(inthehands)oftheir
mother,eachshalltake,totheexclusionoftheother,whatbelongedtohisfather.
192.Butwhenthemotherhasdied,alltheuterinebrothersandtheuterinesistersshallequallydividethe
mother'sestate.
193.Eventothedaughtersofthose(daughters)somethingshouldbegiven,asisseemly,outoftheestate
oftheirmaternalgrandmother,onthescoreofaffection.
194.What(wasgiven)beforethe(nuptial)fire,what(wasgiven)onthebridalprocession,whatwas
givenintokenoflove,andwhatwasreceivedfromherbrother,mother,orfather,thatiscalledthe
sixfoldpropertyofawoman.
195.(Suchproperty),aswellasagiftsubsequentandwhatwasgiven(toher)byheraffectionate
husband,shallgotoheroffspring,(even)ifshediesinthelifetimeofherhusband.
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196.Itisordainedthattheproperty(ofawomanmarried)accordingtotheBrahma,theDaiva,theArsha,
theGandharva,orthePragapatyarite(shallbelong)toherhusbandalone,ifshedieswithoutissue.
197.Butitisprescribedthatthepropertywhichmayhavebeengiventoa(wife)onanAsuramarriageor
(oneofthe)other(blamablemarriages,shallgo)tohermotherandtoherfather,ifshedieswithoutissue.
198.Whateverpropertymayhavebeengivenbyherfathertoawife(whohascowivesofdifferent
castes),thatthedaughter(ofthe)Brahmani(wife)shalltake,orthat(daughter's)issue.
199.Womenshouldnevermakeahoardfrom(thepropertyof)theirfamilieswhichiscommontomany,
norfromtheirown(husbands'particular)propertywithoutpermission.
200.Theornamentswhichmayhavebeenwornbywomenduringtheirhusbands'lifetime,hisheirsshall
notdividethosewhodividethembecomeoutcasts.
201.Eunuchsandoutcasts,(persons)bornblindordeaf,theinsane,idiotsandthedumb,aswellasthose
deficientinanyorgan(ofactionorsensation),receivenoshare.
202.Butitisjustthat(aman)whoknows(thelaw)shouldgiveeventoallofthemfoodandraiment
withoutstint,accordingtohisabilityhewhogivesitnotwillbecomealloutcast.
203.Iftheeunuchandtherestshouldsomehoworotherdesireto(take)wives,theoffspringofsuch
amongthemashavechildrenisworthyofashare.
204.Whateverpropertytheeldest(son)acquires(byhisownexertion)afterthefather'sdeath,ashareof
that(shallbelong)tohisyounger(brothers),providedtheyhavemadeadueprogressinlearning.
205.Butifallofthem,beingunlearned,acquirepropertybytheirlabour,thedivisionofthatshallbe
equal,(asitis)notpropertyacquiredbythefatherthatisasettledrule.
206.Property(acquired)bylearningbelongssolelytohimtowhom(itwasgiven),likewisethegiftofa
friend,apresentreceivedonmarriageorwiththehoneymixture.
207.Butifoneofthebrothers,beingable(tomaintainhimself)byhisownoccupation,doesnotdesire(a
shareofthefamily)property,hemaybemadeseparate(bytheothers)receivingatrifleoutofhisshare
toliveupon.
208.Whatone(brother)mayacquirebyhislabourwithoutusingthepatrimony,thatacquisition,(made
solely)byhisowneffort,heshallnotshareunlessbyhisownwill(withhisbrothers).
209.Butifafatherrecoverslostancestralproperty,heshallnotdivideit,unlessbyhisownwill,withhis
sons,(foritis)selfacquired(property).
210.Ifbrothers,(once)dividedandliving(again)together(ascoparceners),makeasecondpartition,the
divisionshallinthatcasebeequalinsuchacasethereisnorightofprimogeniture.
211.Iftheeldestortheyoungest(brother)isdeprivedofhisshare,orifeitherofthemdies,hisshareis
notlost(tohisimmediateheirs).
212.Hisuterinebrothers,havingassembledtogether,shallequallydivideit,andthosebrotherswhowere
reunited(withhim)andtheuterinesisters.
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213.Aneldestbrotherwhothroughavaricemaydefraudtheyoungerones,shallno(longerholdthe
positionof)theeldest,shallnotreceivean(eldestson'sadditional)share,andshallbepunishedbythe
king.
214.Allbrotherswhohabituallycommitforbiddenacts,areunworthyof(ashareof)theproperty,and
theeldestshallnotmake(anythinghis)separatepropertywithoutgiving(anequivalent)tohisyounger
brothers.
215.Ifundividedbrethren,(livingwiththeirfather,)togethermakeanexertion(forgain),thefathershall
onnoaccountgivetothemunequalshares(onadivisionoftheestate).
216.Butason,bornafterpartition,shallalonetakethepropertyofhisfather,orifany(oftheothersons)
bereunitedwiththe(father),heshallsharewiththem.
217.Amothershallobtaintheinheritanceofason(whodies)withoutleavingissue,and,ifthemother
bedead,thepaternalgrandmothershalltaketheestate.
218.Andif,afterallthedebtsandassetshavebeendulydistributedaccordingtotherule,any(property)
beafterwardsdiscovered,onemustdivideitequally.
219.Adress,avehicle,ornaments,cookedfood,water,andfemale(slaves),propertydestinedforpious
usesorsacrifices,andapastureground,theydeclaretobeindivisible.
220.Thedivision(oftheproperty)andtherulesforallotting(shares)tothe(several)sons,thosebegotten
onawifeandtherest,in(due)order,havebeenthusdeclaredtoyouhear(now)thelawsconcerning
gambling.
221.Gamblingandbettingletthekingexcludefromhisrealmthosetwovicescausethedestructionof
thekingdomsofprinces.
222.Gamblingandbettingamounttoopentheftthekingshallalwaysexerthimselfinsuppressingboth
(ofthem).
223.Wheninanimate(things)areused(forstakingmoneyonthem),thatiscalledamongmengambling
(dyuta),whenanimatebeingsareused(forthesamepurpose),onemustknowthattobebetting
(samahvaya).
224.Letthekingcorporallypunishallthose(persons)whoeithergambleandbetorafford(an
opportunityforit),likewiseSudraswhoassumethedistinctivemarksoftwiceborn(men).
225.Gamblers,dancersandsingers,cruelmen,menbelongingtoanhereticalsect,thosefollowing
forbiddenoccupations,andsellersofspirituousliquor,lethiminstantlybanishfromhistown.
226.Ifsuch(personswhoare)secretthieves,dwellintherealmofaking,theyconstantlyharasshis
goodsubjectsbytheirforbiddenpractices.
227.InaformerKalpathis(viceof)gamblinghasbeenseentocausegreatenmityawiseman,
therefore,shouldnotpractiseitevenforamusement.
228.Oneverymanwhoaddictshimselftothat(vice)eithersecretlyoropenly,thekingmayinflict
punishmentaccordingtohisdiscretion.
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229.ButaKshatriya,aVaisya,andaSudrawhoareunabletopayafine,shalldischargethedebtby
labouraBrahmanashallpayitbyinstallments.
230.Onwomen,infants,menofdisorderedmind,thepoorandthesick,thekingshallinflictpunishment
withawhip,acane,oraropeandthelike.
231.Butthoseappointed(toadministerpublic)affairs,who,bakedbythefireofwealth,marthe
businessofsuitors,thekingshalldepriveoftheirproperty.
232.Forgersofroyaledicts,thosewhocorrupthisministers,thosewhoslaywomen,infants,or
Brahmanas,andthosewhoservehisenemies,thekingshallputtodeath.
233.Wheneverany(legaltransaction)hasbeencompletedor(apunishment)beeninflictedaccordingto
thelaw,heshallsanctionitandnotannulit.
234.Whatevermatterhisministersorthejudgemaysettleimproperly,thatthekinghimselfshall(re)
settleandfine(them)onethousand(panas).
235.TheslayerofaBrahmana,(Atwicebornman)whodrinks(thespirituousliquorcalled)Sura,he
whosteals(thegoldofaBrahmana),andhewhoviolatesaGuru'sbed,musteachandallbeconsidered
asmenwhocommittedmortalsins(mahapataka).
236.Onthosefoureven,iftheydonotperformapenance,lethiminflictcorporalpunishmentandfines
inaccordancewiththelaw.
237.ForviolatingaGuru'sbed,(themarkof)afemalepartshallbe(impressedontheforeheadwitha
hotiron)fordrinking(thespirituousliquorcalled)Sura,thesignofatavernforstealing(thegoldofa
Brahmana),adog'sfootformurderingaBrahmana,aheadlesscorpse.
238.Excludedfromallfellowshipatmeals,excludedfromallsacrifices,excludedfrominstructionand
frommatrimonialalliances,abjectandexcludedfromallreligiousduties,letthemwanderover(this)
earth.
239.Such(persons)whohavebeenbrandedwith(indelible)marksmustbecastoffbytheirpaternaland
maternalrelations,andreceiveneithercompassionnorasalutationthatistheteachingofManu.
240.But(menof)allcasteswhoperformtheprescribedpenances,mustnotbebrandedontheforehead
bytheking,butshallbemadetopaythehighestamercement.
241.For(such)offencesthemiddlemostamercementshallbeinflictedonaBrahmana,orhemaybe
banishedfromtherealm,keepinghismoneyandhischattels.
242.But(menof)other(castes),whohaveunintentionallycommittedsuchcrimes,oughttobedeprived
oftheirwholepropertyif(theycommittedthem)intentionally,theyshallbebanished.
243.Avirtuouskingmustnottakeforhimselfthepropertyofamanguiltyofmortalsinbutifhetakes
itoutofgreed,heistaintedbythatguilt(oftheoffender).
244.Havingthrownsuchafineintothewater,lethimofferittoVaruna,orlethimbestowitonalearned
andvirtuousBrahmana.
245.Varunaisthelordofpunishment,forheholdsthesceptreevenoverkingsaBrahmanawhohas
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learntthewholeVedaisthelordofthewholeworld.
246.Inthat(country),wherethekingavoidstakingthepropertyof(mortal)sinners,menarebornin
(due)time(andare)longlived,
247.Andthecropsofthehusbandmenspringup,eachasitwassown,andthechildrendienot,andno
misshaped(offspring)isborn.
248.Butthekingshallinflictonabaseborn(Sudra),whointentionallygivespaintoBrahmanas,various
(kindsof)corporalpunishmentwhichcauseterror.
249.Whenakingpunishesaninnocent(man),hisguiltisconsideredasgreataswhenhesetsfreea
guiltymanbut(heacquires)meritwhenhepunishes(justly).
250.Thusthe(mannerof)decidingsuits(falling)undertheeighteentitles,betweentwolitigantparties,
hasbeendeclaredatlength.
251.Akingwhothusdulyfulfilshisdutiesinaccordancewithjustice,mayseektogaincountrieswhich
hehasnotyetgained,andshalldulyprotectthemwhenhehasgainedthem.
252.Havingdulysettledhiscountry,andhavingbuiltfortsinaccordancewiththeInstitutes,heshalluse
hisutmostexertionstoremove(thosemenwhoarenocuouslike)thorns.
253.Byprotectingthosewholiveas(becomes)Aryansandbyremovingthethorns,kings,solelyintent
onguardingtheirsubjects,reachheaven.
254.Therealmofthatkingwhotakeshisshareinkind,thoughhedoesnotpunishthieves,(willbe)
disturbedandhe(will)loseheaven.
255.Butifhiskingdombesecure,protectedbythestrengthofhisarm,itwillconstantlyflourishlikea
(well)wateredtree.
256.Letthekingwhosees(everything)throughhisspies,discoverthetwosortsofthieveswhodeprive
othersoftheirproperty,boththosewho(showthemselves)openlyandthosewho(lie)concealed.
257.Amongthem,theopenrogues(arethose)whosubsistby(cheatinginthesaleof)various
marketablecommodities,buttheconcealedroguesareburglars,robbersinforests,andsoforth.
258.Thosewhotakebribes,cheatsandrogues,gamblers,thosewholivebyteaching(theperformance
of)auspiciousceremonies,sanctimonioushypocrites,andfortunetellers,
259.Officialsofhighrankandphysicianswhoactimproperly,menlivingbyshowingtheirproficiency
inarts,andcleverharlots,
260.Theseandthelikewhoshowthemselvesopenly,aswellasotherswhowalkindisguise(suchas)
nonAryanswhowearthemarksofAryans,heshouldknowtobethorns(inthesideofhispeople).
261.Havingdetectedthembymeansoftrustworthypersons,who,disguisingthemselves,(pretend)to
followthesameoccupationsandbymeansofspies,wearingvariousdisguises,hemustcausethemtobe
instigated(tocommitoffences),andbringthemintohispower.
262.Thenhavingcausedthecrimes,whichtheycommittedbytheirseveralactions,tobeproclaimedin
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accordancewiththefacts,thekingshalldulypunishthemaccordingtotheirstrengthandtheircrimes.
263.Forthewickednessofevilmindedthieves,whosecretlyprowloverthisearth,cannotberestrained
exceptbypunishment.
264.Assemblyhouses,houseswherewaterisdistributedorcakesaresold,brothels,tavernsand
victualler'sshops,crossroads,wellknowntrees,festiveassemblies,andplayhousesandconcertrooms,
265.Oldgardens,forests,theshopsofartisans,emptydwellings,naturalandartificialgroves,
266.Theseandthelikeplacesthekingshallcausetobeguardedbycompaniesofsoldiers,both
stationaryandpatrolling,andbyspies,inordertokeepawaythieves.
267.Bythemeansofcleverreformedthieves,whoassociatewithsuch(rogues),followthemandknow
theirvariousmachinations,hemustdetectanddestroythem.
268.Underthepretextof(offeringthem)variousdainties,ofintroducingthemtoBrahmanas,andonthe
pretenceof(showingthem)featsofstrength,the(spies)mustmakethemmeet(theofficersofjustice).
269.Thoseamongthemwhodonotcome,andthosewhosuspecttheold(thievesemployedbytheking),
thekingshallattackbyforceandslaytogetherwiththeirfriends,bloodrelations,andconnexions.
270.Ajustkingshallnotcauseathieftobeputtodeath,(unlesstaken)withthestolengoods(inhis
possession)himwho(istaken)withthestolengoodsandtheimplements(ofburglary),hemay,without
hesitation,causetobeslain.
271.Allthosealsowhoinvillagesgivefoodtothievesorgrantthemroomfor(concealingtheir
implements),heshallcausetobeputtodeath.
272.Thosewhoareappointedtoguardprovincesandhisvassalswhohavebeenordered(tohelp),he
shallspeedilypunishlikethieves,(iftheyremain)inactiveinattacks(byrobbers).
273.Moreoverif(aman),whosubsistsby(thefulfilmentof)thelaw,departsfromtheestablishedruleof
thelaw,the(king)shallseverelypunishhimbyafine,(becausehe)violatedhisduty.
274.Thosewhodonotgiveassistanceaccordingtotheirabilitywhenavillageisbeingplundered,a
dykeisbeingdestroyed,orahighwayrobberycommitted,shallbebanishedwiththeirgoodsand
chattels.
275.Onthosewhorobtheking'streasuryandthosewhopersevereinopposing(hiscommands),heshall
inflictvariouskindsofcapitalpunishment,likewiseonthosewhoconspirewithhisenemies.
276.Butthekingshallcutoffthehandsofthoserobberswho,breakingintohouses,committheftsat
night,andcausethemtobeimpaledonapointedstake.
277.Onthefirstconviction,lethimcausetwofingersofacutpursetobeamputatedonthesecond,one
handandonefootonthethird,heshallsufferdeath.
278.Thosewhogive(tothieves)fire,food,arms,orshelter,andreceiversofstolengoods,therulershall
punishlikethieves.
279.Himwhobreaks(thedamof)atankheshallslay(bydrowninghim)inwaterorby(someother)
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(modeof)capitalpunishmentortheoffendermayrepairthe(damage),butshallbemadetopaythe
highestamercement.
280.Thosewhobreakintoa(royal)storehouse,anarmoury,oratemple,andthosewhostealelephants,
horses,orchariots,heshallslaywithouthesitation.
281.Buthewhoshalltakeawaythewaterofatank,madeinancienttimes,orshallcutoffthesupplyof
water,mustbemadetopaythefirst(orlowest)amercement.
282.Buthewho,exceptinacaseofextremenecessity,dropsfilthontheking'shighroad,shallpaytwo
karshapanasandimmediatelyremove(that)filth.
283.Butapersoninurgentnecessity,anagedman,apregnantwoman,orachild,shallbereprimanded
andcleanthe(place)thatisasettledrule.
284.Allphysicianswhotreat(theirpatients)wrongly(shallpay)afineinthecaseofanimals,thefirst
(orlowest)inthecaseofhumanbeings,themiddlemost(amercement).
285.Hewhodestroysabridge,theflag(ofatempleorroyalpalace),apole,orimages,shallrepairthe
whole(damage)andpayfivehundred(panas).
286.Foradulteratingunadulteratedcommodities,andforbreakinggemsorforimproperlyboring(them),
thefineisthefirst(orlowest)amercement.
287.Butthatmanwhobehavesdishonestlytohonest(customers)orcheatsinhisprices,shallbefinedin
thefirstorinthemiddlemostamercement.
288.Lethimplaceallprisonsnearahighroad,wherethesufferinganddisfiguredoffenderscanbeseen.
289.Himwhodestroysthewall(ofatown),orfillsuptheditch(roundatown),orbreaksa(town)gate,
heshallinstantlybanish.
290.Forallincantationsintendedtodestroylife,formagicriteswithroots(practisedbypersons)not
related(tohimagainstwhomtheyaredirected),andforvariouskindsofsorcery,afineoftwohundred
(panas)shallbeinflicted.
291.Hewhosells(forseedcornthatwhichis)notseedcorn,hewhotakesupseed(alreadysown),and
hewhodestroysaboundary(mark),shallbepunishedbymutilation.
292.Butthekingshallcauseagoldsmithwhobehavesdishonestly,themostnocuousofallthethorns,to
becuttopieceswithrazors.
293.Forthetheftofagriculturalimplements,ofarmsandofmedicines,letthekingawardpunishment,
takingintoaccountthetime(oftheoffence)andtheuse(oftheobject).
294.Thekingandhisminister,hiscapital,hisrealm,histreasury,hisarmy,andhisallyaretheseven
constituentparts(ofakingdom)(hence)akingdomissaidtohavesevenlimbs(anga).
295.Butlethimknow(that)amongthesesevenconstituentpartsofakingdom(whichhavebeen
enumerated)indueorder,eachearlier(named)ismoreimportantand(itsdestruction)thegreater
calamity.
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296.Yetinakingdomcontainingsevenconstituentparts,whichisupheldlikethetriplestaff(ofan
ascetic),thereisno(singlepart)moreimportant(thantheothers),byreasonoftheimportanceofthe
qualitiesofeachfortheothers.
297.Foreachpartisparticularlyqualifiedfor(theaccomplishmentof)certainobjects,(andthus)eachis
declaredtobethemostimportantforthatparticularpurposewhichiseffectedbyitsmeans.
298.Byspies,bya(pretended)displayofenergy,andbycarryingout(various)undertakings,lettheking
constantlyascertainhisownandhisenemy'sstrength
299.Moreover,allcalamitiesandvicesafterwards,whenhehasfullyconsideredtheirrelative
importance,lethimbeginhisoperations.
300.(Thoughhebe)eversomuchtired(byrepeatedfailures),lethimbeginhisoperationsagainand
againforfortunegreatlyfavoursthemanwho(strenuously)exertshimselfinhisundertakings.
301.Thevariouswaysinwhichakingbehaves(resemble)theKrita,Treta,Dvapara,andKaliages
hencethekingisidentifiedwiththeages(oftheworld).
302.SleepingherepresentstheKali(orironage),wakingtheDvapara(orbrazen)age,readytoactthe
Treta(orsilverage),butmoving(actively)theKrita(orgolden)age.
303.LetthekingemulatetheenergeticactionofIndra,oftheSun,oftheWind,ofYama,ofVaruna,of
theMoon,oftheFire,andoftheEarth.
304.AsIndrasendscopiousrainduringthefourmonthsoftherainyseason,evensolettheking,taking
uponhimselftheofficeofIndra,showerbenefitsonhiskingdom.
305.AstheSunduringeightmonths(imperceptibly)drawsupthewaterwithhisrays,evensolethim
graduallydrawhistaxesfromhiskingdomforthatistheofficeinwhichheresemblestheSun.
306.AstheWindmoves(everywhere),entering(intheshapeofthevitalair)allcreatedbeings,evenso
lethimpenetrate(everywhere)throughhisspiesthatistheofficeinwhichheresemblestheWind.
307.AsYamaattheappointedtimesubjectstohisrulebothfriendsandfoes,evensoallsubjectsmust
becontrolledbythekingthatistheofficeinwhichheresemblesYama.
308.As(asinner)isseenboundwithropesbyVaruna,evensolethimpunishthewickedthatishis
officeinwhichheresemblesVaruna.
309.Heisaking,takinguponhimselftheofficeoftheMoon,whose(appearance)hissubjects(greet
withasgreatjoy)asmenfeelonseeingthefullmoon.
310.(If)heisardentinwrathagainstcriminalsandendowedwithbrilliantenergy,anddestroyswicked
vassals,thenhischaracterissaid(toresemble)thatofFire.
311.AstheEarthsupportsallcreatedbeingsequally,thus(aking)whosupportsallhissubjects,(takes
uponhimself)theofficeoftheEarth.
312.Employingtheseandothermeans,thekingshall,everuntired,restrainthievesbothinhisown
dominionsandin(thoseof)others.
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313.Lethimnot,thoughfallenintothedeepestdistress,provokeBrahmanastoangerforthey,when
angered,couldinstantlydestroyhimtogetherwithhisarmyandhisvehicles.
314.Whocouldescapedestruction,whenheprovokestoangerthose(men),bywhomthefirewasmade
toconsumeallthings,bywhomthe(waterofthe)oceanwasmadeundrinkable,andbywhomthemoon
wasmadetowaneandtoincreaseagain?
315.Whocouldprosper,whileheinjuresthose(men)whoprovokedtoanger,couldcreateotherworlds
andotherguardiansoftheworld,anddeprivethegodsoftheirdivinestation?
316.Whatman,desirousoflife,wouldinjurethemtowhosesupportthe(three)worldsandthegodsever
owetheirexistence,andwhosewealthistheVeda?
317.ABrahmana,beheignorantorlearned,isagreatdivinity,justasthefire,whethercarriedforth(for
theperformanceofaburntoblation)ornotcarriedforth,isagreatdivinity.
318.Thebrilliantfireisnotcontaminatedeveninburialplaces,and,whenpresentedwithoblations(of
butter)atsacrifices,itagainincreasesmightily.
319.Thus,thoughBrahmanasemploythemselvesinall(sortsof)meanoccupations,theymustbe
honouredineverywayfor(eachof)themisaverygreatdeity.
320.WhentheKshatriyasbecomeinanywayoverbearingtowardstheBrahmanas,theBrahmanas
themselvesshalldulyrestrainthemfortheKshatriyassprangfromtheBrahmanas.
321.Firesprangfromwater,KshatriyasfromBrahmanas,ironfromstonetheallpenetratingforceof
those(three)hasnoeffectonthatwhencetheywereproduced.
322.KshatriyasprospernotwithoutBrahmanas,BrahmanasprospernotwithoutKshatriyasBrahmanas
andKshatriyas,beingcloselyunited,prosperinthis(world)andinthenext.
323.But(akingwhofeelshisenddrawingnigh)shallbestowallhiswealth,accumulatedfromfines,on
Brahmanas,makeoverhiskingdomtohisson,andthenseekdeathinbattle.
324.Thusconductinghimself(and)everintenton(discharging)hisroyalduties,akingshallorderallhis
servants(towork)forthegoodofhispeople.
325.Thustheeternallawconcerningthedutiesofakinghasbeenfullydeclaredknowthatthe
followingrulesapplyin(due)ordertothedutiesofVaisyasandSudras.
326.AfteraVaisyahasreceivedthesacramentsandhastakenawife,heshallbealwaysattentivetothe
businesswherebyhemaysubsistandto(thatof)tendingcattle.
327.ForwhentheLordofcreatures(Pragapati)createdcattle,hemadethemovertotheVaisyatothe
Brahmana,andtothekingheentrustedallcreatedbeings.
328.AVaisyamustnever(conceivethis)wish,IwillnotkeepcattleandifaVaisyaiswilling(tokeep
them),theymustneverbekeptby(menof)other(castes).
329.(AVaisya)mustknowtherespectivevalueofgems,ofpearls,ofcoral,ofmetals,of(cloth)madeof
thread,ofperfumes,andofcondiments.
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330.Hemustbeacquaintedwiththe(mannerof)sowingofseeds,andofthegoodandbadqualitiesof
fields,andhemustperfectlyknowallmeasuresandweights.
331.Moreover,theexcellenceanddefectsofcommodities,theadvantagesanddisadvantagesof
(different)countries,the(probable)profitandlossonmerchandise,andthemeansofproperlyrearing
cattle.
332.Hemustbeacquaintedwiththe(proper),wagesofservants,withthevariouslanguagesofmen,with
themannerofkeepinggoods,and(therulesof)purchaseandsale.
333.Lethimexerthimselftotheutmostinordertoincreasehispropertyinarighteousmanner,andlet
himzealouslygivefoodtoallcreatedbeings.
334.ButtoserveBrahmanas(whoare)learnedintheVedas,householders,andfamous(forvirtue)isthe
highestdutyofaSudra,whichleadstobeatitude.
335.(ASudrawhois)pure,theservantofhisbetters,gentleinhisspeech,andfreefrompride,and
alwaysseeksarefugewithBrahmanas,attains(inhisnextlife)ahighercaste.
336.Theexcellentlawfortheconductofthe(four)castes(varna),(whentheyare)notindistress,has
beenthuspromulgatednowhearinordertheir(severalduties)intimesofdistress.

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