9 Verse 225 [top] | Manusmriti Chapter
: Different commentators offer variations on the identities of these groups. For example, some interpret "cruel men" ( kruran ) as those with "crooked behavior," while others identify "actors" ( kusilavan ) as individuals sharp enough to entrap others. Modern Perspective
To fully understand this verse, one must place it within the broader framework of the Manusmriti 's vision for society. The text advocates a highly structured social order ( Varna system), with the King (Kṣatriya) at its helm, responsible for protecting the righteous and punishing the wicked. This verse is not about a man's private morality but a directive for the ultimate enforcer of law: the King.
. Ancient legal thought suggested that crime and social friction are often contagious. By removing these "bad elements" ( Pura-shodhana
Analyze the used Explore how modern legal systems handle these ancient vices
Not just casual players, but those who made gambling a profession or used fraud to strip citizens of their wealth. Cruel Men (Krūrān): manusmriti chapter 9 verse 225
This legal term covers citizens who abandoned their hereditary economic duties to engage in unauthorized black-market operations, vigilante law enforcement, or fraudulent tax schemes. 6. Śauṇḍikān (The Wine Dealers)
: The king becomes her lord, indicating the state's responsibility to protect its female citizens.
Refers specifically to fraudulent gamblers or those who use games of chance to deceive others. Dancers/Actors ( Kuśīlavān
The production and sale of alcohol are considered vices that lead to the downfall of social order, immorality, and violence. 3. Contextual Interpretation : Different commentators offer variations on the identities
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ SUBVERSIVE DEMOGRAPHICS (Manusmriti 9.225) │ └───────────────────────────┬────────────────────────────┘ │ ┌──────────────┬───────────────┼───────────────┬──────────────┬──────────────┐ │ │ │ │ │ │ ┌──────▼──────┐┌──────▼──────┐ ┌──────▼──────┐ ┌──────▼──────┐┌──────▼──────┐┌──────▼──────┐ │ Kitavān ││ Kuśīlavān │ │ Krūrān │ │Pāṣaṇḍasthāṃ ││Vikarmasthān ││ Śauṇḍikān │ │ (Gamblers) ││ (Dancers/ │ │ (Cruel Men/ │ │(Heretical ││ (Deviant ││ (Vintners/ │ │ ││ Entertainer)│ │ Oppressors) │ │ Sects) ││ Workers) ││ Wine Dealers)│ └─────────────┘└─────────────┘ └─────────────┘ └─────────────┘└─────────────┘└─────────────┘
This verse is part of a section on "Gambling and Betting" (verses 9.221-228), where Manu views these activities not just as personal vices but as "thorns" that destroy kingdoms. Categories for Banishment:
Within this massive compendium, Chapter 9 focuses heavily on matrimonial laws, the duties of husbands and wives, inheritance rights, and the legal obligations of a king to maintain public order. Verse 225 of this chapter holds a critical position, as it deals directly with statecraft, societal purification, and the expulsion of disruptive elements from the kingdom.
Gambling was viewed as a destructive vice that ruined families, fostered greed, and led to violent disputes. By banishing gamblers, the state aimed to prevent financial ruin among its citizens. The text advocates a highly structured social order
(often referenced as 9.225) is a significant shloka within the ancient Indian legal and ethical text, the Manusmriti (or Manava Dharmashastra ). It falls under the section detailing the duties of a king and the maintenance of social order, specifically addressing the removal of individuals who disrupt the peaceful and moral functioning of a community.
The , also known as the Laws of Manu , is a central legal and social text of ancient Hinduism. Chapter 9, Verse 225 (Manusmriti 9.225) specifically addresses social order and the King's duty to maintain public morality by banishing individuals deemed harmful to the community . 1. Sanskrit Text and Transliteration The original metrical Sanskrit for this verse is:
Manusmriti, Chapter 9, Verse 225 stands as a moral and historical prism. How you interpret it depends on your hermeneutic lens:
According to commentators, these individuals are highlighted because they are seen as "disguised thieves" who create a chaotic or unsafe environment [Wisdomlib]. The verse mandates the king to act immediately ("kṣipram") to banish such persons, ensuring that their actions do not harm the "virtuous" citizens. Social and Ethical Implications
