The overarching goal of Verse 225 is (governance) and Kantaka-shodhana (removal of thorns). The text argues that these individuals act as "hidden thieves" who do not contribute to the spiritual or material stability of the kingdom but instead actively undermine it. By banishing them, the king ensures that the "righteous" citizens are not corrupted or harassed. Modern Perspective
: Mandates that individuals practicing malevolent rites, incantations, or using poisonous herbs to scam the populace must be permanently exiled by royal decree. Legacy and Impact on Early Indian Governance
"Should quickly banish from the city." The use of kṣipraṃ emphasizes urgency, indicating that the presence of these elements poses an immediate threat to the realm. The Context of Chapter 9: Statecraft and Public Security
Here is the text of , along with its context and meaning. manusmriti chapter 9 verse 225
"The King should instantly banish from his town gamblers, actors, cruel men, men belonging to heretical sects, those who do improper work, and sellers of spirituous liquor."— Translation based on the Medhatithi commentary Context and Interpretation
The verse immediately following (9.226) explains the reasoning for such harsh measures: these individuals are considered ( pracchanna-taskarāḥ ) who constantly harass and disturb honest subjects ( bhadrikāḥ prajāḥ ) through their illicit activities. By banishing them, the King ensures the safety and moral integrity of the state. Manusmriti Verse 9.225
In the 21st century, this verse is frequently cited by critics of the Manusmriti as "proof" that Hinduism sanctions the sale of women. Social reformers like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar—who publicly burned the Manusmriti in 1927—pointed to verses like 9.225 as emblematic of a system that treated women as property. The overarching goal of Verse 225 is (governance)
द्यूतं समाह्वयं चैव राजा राष्ट्रान्निवारयेत् ।एतौ हि राष्ट्रस्य विनाशाय द्वौ दोषावभिवर्धितौ ॥ ९.२२५ ॥
The most prominent reading of Verse 9.225 is a directive for a king or ruler to expel certain undesirable individuals from his city or kingdom. The Sanskrit text and its translation are as follows:
To understand this verse, one must consider the social realities of ancient India (c. 200 BCE – 200 CE): "The King should instantly banish from his town
While the modern world operates on different legal principles, this verse highlights a timeless concern for any leader: how to balance individual freedom with the collective need for a peaceful, orderly environment.
In this verse, Manu provides guidance to women who have lost their husbands. According to the verse, a widow is expected to lead a life of austerity and devotion, renouncing worldly desires and ambitions. The verse specifically mentions that she should not:
took a slightly different approach, suggesting that some of these activities (like gambling) should be centralized and taxed rather than outright banned—showing a historical debate between strict moral law and pragmatic governance. Modern Reflection
Manusmriti Chapter 9, Verse 225 focuses on public order and the preservation of a "moral" urban environment by mandating the immediate banishment of specific classes of people deemed disruptive to society.
While modern readers view performers favorably, classical legal frameworks viewed traveling actors and dancers with systemic suspicion. Because they traveled frequently between kingdoms, they were often utilized as foreign spies, couriers for contrabands, or distractions that lured citizens away from productive agricultural and military duties. 3. Krūrān (The Cruel or Violent Men)