
Dharmashastras, the Sacred Law Books of Hindus
The Dharmashastras (or Dharmasastras) are the ancient law books of Hindus, which prescribe moral laws and principles for religious duty and righteous conduct for the followers of the faith. They also formed the guidelines for their social and religious code of conduct Hindus in the past where Hindu rulers enforced the laws as part of their religious duty. However looking to the heterogeneity and complex nature of Indian society from the earlier times, it is difficult to say how seriously these laws were enforced by the ruling classes among all sections of society. However, the Dharmashastras throw considerable light upon the social and religious conditions of ancient India, family life, gender and caste based distinctions, and principles of ancient jurisprudence. We can find in them rudiments of many principles and practices of social and religious aspects of modern Hindu society.
General
The Hindu Dharmashastras, Subject Index
A Brief Note on the Dharmashastras
Manu
The Laws of Manu Chapter 1 to 6
The Laws of Manu Chapters 7 to 12
Apastamba
Gautama
Introduction to Gautama Sutras
The Gautama Sutras, Chapters 1 to 14
The Gautama Sutras Chapters 15 to 28
Vashishta
The Vashishta Dharmashastra, introduction
The Vashishta Dharmashastra, Chapters 1 - 7
The Vashishta Dharmashastra, Chapters 8 - 14
The Vashishta Dharmashastra, Chapters 5 - 12
The Vashishta Dharmashastra, Chapters 13 - 30
Baudhayana
Introduction to the Baudhayana DharmasShastra
The Baudhayana Dharmashastra - PrasnaI (Kandika 1-21)
Suggestions for Further Reading
- Essays On Dharma
- Esoteric Mystic Hinduism
- Introduction to Hinduism
- Hindu Way of Life
- Essays On Karma
- Hindu Rites and Rituals
- The Origin of The Sanskrit Language
- Symbolism in Hinduism
- Essays on The Upanishads
- Concepts of Hinduism
- Essays on Atman
- Hindu Festivals
- Spiritual Practice
- Right Living
- Yoga of Sorrow
- Happiness
- Mental Health
- Concepts of Buddhism
- General Essays