Manusmriti Chapter 9 Verse 225 ((better)) Jun 2026

Those following sects that explicitly opposed the established Vedic social order. In ancient times, this was seen as a threat to the state's spiritual stability. Dealers in Wine (Śauṇḍikān):

Performers and gamblers.

People who exhibit inherent cruelty, sadism, or a predisposition to violent crimes against humans and animals.

The verse identifies specific groups of people deemed hazardous to the moral fabric of an ideal Vedic society. In the context of ancient governance, these groups were seen as sources of vice, social unrest, or economic deceit. manusmriti chapter 9 verse 225

It's essential to consider the diverse historical, cultural, and philosophical contexts in which such texts were written and how they continue to influence contemporary discussions on gender roles, rights, and responsibilities.

: Often viewed with suspicion in ancient legal texts due to their nomadic nature and perceived lack of Vedic discipline.

According to Ganganath Jha's translation of the Manubhāṣya : People who exhibit inherent cruelty, sadism, or a

Sanskrit Transliteration: kitavān kuśīlavān krūrān pāṣaṇḍasthāṃśca mānavān | vikarmasthān śauṇḍikāṃśca kṣipraṃ nirvāsayet purāt || 225 || English Translation (Ganganath Jha): "Gamblers, dancers, cruel men, men belonging to heretical sects, men addicted to evil deeds, dealers in wine,—these the King shall instantly banish from his town." (9.225)

: The verse identifies six groups deemed disruptive:

The Vīramitrodaya (Rājanīti) and Vyavahāra-Bālambhaṭṭī cite verse 225 alongside texts by Bṛhaspati to clarify that the primary target of this verse includes individuals who actively scam the populace through illicit rituals, poisonous herbs, or counterfeit magic. It's essential to consider the diverse historical, cultural,

आचार्यश्च पिता चैव माता भ्राता च पूर्वजः । नार्तेनाप्यवमन्तव्या ब्राह्मणेन विशेषतः ॥ २२५ ॥

offers a fascinating glimpse into how ancient lawgivers viewed "public nuisances" and the king's responsibility to protect the moral and social fabric of his capital. The Verse (Sanskrit & Translation)

One evening, a wise advisor approached the King and quoted the ancient law:

: Those who manufacture fake currency or weights, directly undermining the economic stability and trust of the marketplace.