Which type of literature in ancient India is considered non-religious,...
Ancient Indian literature is a rich and diverse collection of texts that cover various aspects of life, including religious, philosophical, historical, and social topics. While much of the literature from ancient India is religious in nature, there are also non-religious texts that provide insights into various other aspects of ancient Indian society.
The type of literature in ancient India that is considered non-religious is the Dharmasutras.
Dharmasutras:
- Dharmasutras are a genre of ancient Indian texts that provide guidelines and codes of conduct for individuals in different stages of life and social classes.
- They are considered an important part of the Dharma shastras, which are ancient legal and ethical texts in Hinduism.
- Dharmasutras are primarily concerned with providing a code of duties for individuals, including kings, in order to ensure a just and harmonious society.
- Unlike religious texts such as the Vedas, which focus on rituals and prayers, Dharmasutras deal with practical matters of everyday life, including laws, customs, and social norms.
Example of Dharmasutras:
One of the most famous and influential Dharmasutras is the Manusmriti, also known as the Laws of Manu. It is attributed to the legendary sage Manu and provides a comprehensive code of conduct for individuals in different social classes and stages of life. Manusmriti covers a wide range of topics, including marriage, inheritance, punishment for crimes, and social responsibilities. It is considered the most authoritative text on Dharma in Hinduism and has had a significant impact on the social and legal systems of ancient India.
In conclusion, while ancient Indian literature is predominantly religious in nature, the Dharmasutras provide valuable insights into the non-religious aspects of ancient Indian society. The Manusmriti is a prime example of a Dharmasutra that offers guidelines and codes of conduct for individuals in various social classes and stages of life.
Which type of literature in ancient India is considered non-religious,...
Secular literature in ancient India includes the law books known as 'Dharmasutras' and 'Smritis,' which provide a code of duties for kings, administrators, and people. An example is Kautilya's 'Arthashastra.'
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