Smriti in Hindu Law Is Not the Name of a Girl

After the Vedas, the most important source of Hindu law is the Smriti. When translated into English, the word “Smriti” means ‘that which is remembered.” The Smritis represent what was heard as God’s revelation by the sages which was later shared by these sages in their own words.

Hindu Law and Dharmasutras

Dharmasutra is the name given to the earliest form of Smritis.  This was written in rich prose form by teachers who explained and expounded the basic principles to their students as enunciated in the Vedas.  They are considered to be Vedic supplements. The early names associated with teachers of Dharmasutra are:

• Gautama
• Apasthamba
• Vashishta
• Vishnu
• Harita

Importance of Dharma in Hindu Law

A central question that loomed large in the works of the abovementioned teachers is the relevance and implication of Dharma. Some of the questions they tried to solve in their works include:

• What is Dharma for an individual?
• Do different social communities (jatidharma) and families (kuladharma) have different scope of Dharma? How and why?
• Does customary practice define or alter Dharma?
• In what ways can Dharma of each age (Yugadharma) such as ancient age and contemporary age be defined differently? Why?

Hindu Law and Dharmashastras

The later Smritis that evolved were known as Dharmashastras, which had two parts, namely:

• Achara Vyavahara
• Prayaschitta

The first part, Achara Vyavahara, covers important principles of Hindu law.