The Laws of Manu (SBE Vol. 25)

Manu is considered to be the founder of social and moral order, inventor of sacrificial rites, and the author of legal maxims. In the present work, The Laws of Manu, as found in the famous Manusmrti, have been fully translated. These laws state good and bad qualities of human actions, according to Aryan norms, and lay down immemorial rules of conduct to be followed by the four castes. It includes the precepts for the duties of kings and the administration of justice, which form the basis of Hindu law.