Manusmriti, also known as Manu Dharma Shastra (மனு தர்ம சாஸ்திரம்), is a book that contains the rules and regulations for human society according to Hinduism. It describes the rituals, ceremonies, duties, rights, laws, conduct, virtues, and morals that Hindus should follow from birth to death. It is considered to be the first constitution for human society.

Manusmriti was composed by Swayambhuva Manu, who was born around 9500 BC. He was the Manas son of Brahma, the creator god. He was one of the 14 Manus who ruled over different epochs of time. Manusmriti has 12 chapters with about 2700 verses. It covers various topics such as the origin of the world, the rites of passage, the stages of life, the duties of the four varnas (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra), the role of women, the law of karma, and the path of liberation.

Manusmriti is an important source of Hindu law and ethics. It has influenced many aspects of Hindu culture and society. It has also been translated into many languages such as English, Tamil, Hindi, etc. Many scholars and commentators have studied and interpreted Manusmriti from different perspectives. Some have praised it as a divine revelation, while others have criticized it as a human creation with flaws and biases.

If you are interested in reading Manusmriti in Tamil, you can download a free PDF version from this link: https://www.pdfnotes.co/manusmriti-tamil/. This website also provides a summary and analysis of each chapter of Manusmriti in Tamil. You can also read more about Manusmriti in Tamil from this article: https://tamil.samayam.com/religion/hinduism/what-is-manu-smriti-manava-dharma-shastra-laws-of-manu-in-tamil/articleshow/74496182.cms.

Manusmriti is a valuable and fascinating text that reveals the ancient Hindu worldview and way of life. It can help us understand the roots and diversity of Hinduism. However, it should not be taken as a literal or absolute authority for modern times. It should be read with a critical and contextual eye, keeping in mind the historical and cultural context in which it was written. It should also be compared and contrasted with other sources of Hindu wisdom such as the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, etc.

Manusmriti has been a subject of controversy and criticism for a long time. Many people have pointed out the problematic aspects of Manusmriti, such as its endorsement of caste discrimination, gender inequality, animal sacrifice, slavery, and violence. Some of the critics of Manusmriti include:

• Buddhist and Jain texts: These texts challenged the authority and validity of Manusmriti and other Hindu scriptures. They also rejected the caste system and advocated for non-violence and compassion.
• Medieval Bhakti saints: These saints denounced the caste hierarchy and the ritualistic practices prescribed by Manusmriti. They also emphasized the equality and dignity of all human beings and the devotion to a personal god.
• Colonial scholars and missionaries: These scholars and missionaries translated and interpreted Manusmriti in a way that portrayed Hinduism as a backward and oppressive religion. They also used Manusmriti to justify their colonial rule and conversion activities.
• Modern reformers and social movements: These reformers and movements challenged the social evils and injustices that were based on or supported by Manusmriti. They also advocated for social change and human rights for all sections of society.

One of the most prominent critics of Manusmriti was Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and a Dalit leader. He considered Manusmriti as a symbol of Brahminical tyranny and oppression over the lower castes. He also blamed Manusmriti for the degradation and subjugation of women in Hindu society. He famously burned a copy of Manusmriti on December 25, 1927, as a part of his Mahad Satyagraha, a protest against untouchability.

Ambedkar’s act of burning Manusmriti was a symbolic gesture of rejecting the authority and legitimacy of Manusmriti. It was also a way of asserting the dignity and rights of the oppressed castes and women. It was a revolutionary moment in the history of India’s social reform movement.