Which of the following are correctly matched? 1. Dharmasutras - it de...
- There were several books written about the sciences and state governance in Sanskrit to benefit the learned men.
- Historians argue that between 500 and 200 BC, several major books on law were written and compiled, which are called the Dharmasutras.
- These were compiled alongside the smritis that are known as Dharmashastras. These are the basis of the laws governing the subjects of most Hindu kingdoms.
- These not only elucidate the rules according to which property could be held, sold or transferred but also elaborated on the punishments for offences ranging from fraud to murder.
- Another major text is Manusmriti (Laws of Manu), which defines man and woman's role in society, their interaction at a social plane, and the code of conduct they were supposed to follow.
- The text is written as a discourse given by Manu, the ancestor of humankind. The Manusmriti might have been written and compiled during 200 BC and 200 AD.
- One of the most famous texts about statecraft from the Mauryan period is Kautilya's Arthashastra. It concentrates on the economic and social conditions of the Mauryan empire.
- The due focus was given to the military strategy, which should be employed by the state. The text mentions that 'Kautilya' or 'Vishnugupta' wrote it.
- Historians argue that both these names were an alias for Chanakya, a learned scholar at Emperor Chandragupta Maurya's court.
Which of the following are correctly matched? 1. Dharmasutras - it de...
The correct answer is option 'C' - 3 only.
Explanation:
1. Dharmasutras:
- Dharmasutras are ancient texts that outline the rules and duties of individuals in Hindu society.
- They focus on various aspects of social and moral conduct, including the role of men and women in society.
- However, it is important to note that Dharmasutras do not define the roles of men and women in society. Instead, they provide a broader framework of social and moral conduct for individuals.
2. Manusmriti:
- Manusmriti, also known as the Laws of Manu, is an ancient Indian legal text.
- It is considered one of the most important texts in Hindu jurisprudence and was influential in shaping the legal systems of many Hindu kingdoms.
- Manusmriti provides detailed laws and regulations governing various aspects of life, including marriage, inheritance, and social hierarchy.
- While Manusmriti does play a role in defining the basis of laws governing Hindu kingdoms, it does not encompass all Hindu kingdoms, as some kingdoms had their own local laws and customs.
3. Kautilya's Arthashastra:
- Kautilya's Arthashastra, also known as Chanakya's Arthashastra, is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economics, and political science.
- It was written by the scholar Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, who served as the prime minister of the Mauryan Empire.
- The Arthashastra covers a wide range of topics, including governance, taxation, warfare, diplomacy, and economic policies.
- While it does focus on the economic and social conditions of the Mauryan Empire, it does not specifically concentrate on the role of men and women in society.
In conclusion, while the Dharmasutras, Manusmriti, and Kautilya's Arthashastra are all important ancient Indian texts, they do not match the descriptions given in options 1 and 2. Only option 3, which states that Kautilya's Arthashastra concentrates on the economic and social conditions of the Mauryan Empire, is correct.
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