People who exhibit inherent cruelty, sadism, or a predisposition to violent crimes against humans and animals.
: 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
: By demanding the expulsion of fake doctors and corrupt fortune-tellers, the text emphasizes that professional practices must be bound by strict ethical standards and genuine knowledge. Modern Relevance and Interpretations
Show you the of the subsequent verse (9.226). manusmriti chapter 9 verse 225
Liquor vendors, distillers, or chronic drunkards. Alcohol consumption was heavily regulated and generally frowned upon in orthodox Brahminical law for upper castes, viewed as a catalyst for crime.
Why were dancers ( kuśīlavān ) grouped with "cruel men"? In ancient legal contexts, itinerant performers were often viewed with suspicion because they were mobile, difficult to tax, and sometimes associated with the "frivolous" side of life that distracted people from their duties ( dharma ).
While Chapter 9 is best known for its, often controversial, stance on the inheritance rights of sons, the rights of women, and the administration of justice, verses 221-230 specifically focus on the criminal law relating to property and social order. People who exhibit inherent cruelty, sadism, or a
The rich tradition of Sanskrit commentary on the Manusmriti, by scholars like Medhātithi (9th-10th century CE), Kullūka Bhaṭṭa (13th-15th century CE), and Rāghavānanda (17th-18th century CE), provides diverse interpretations of these verses.
Dealers in alcohol were often viewed as contributors to public intoxication and disorder. Context and Interpretation
"The King shall instantly banish from his town the gamblers, the cruel, those addicted to evil deeds, and the sellers of wine" Modern Perspective : By demanding the expulsion of
: Vendors of spirituous liquor or habitual drunkards. Legal Justification (Verse 226)
Individuals belonging to sects that reject the authority of the Vedas. Vikarmasthān (Wrongdoers):