The Laws of Manu. Ancient Aryan Rules of Life and Death

«The Laws of Manu» — an ancient Indian collection of laws, religious-moral and legal prescriptions, attributed by tradition to the legendary progenitor of humanity — Manu. According to modern views, this unique text was composed between the 2nd century BC and the 2nd century AD, although its genealogy can be traced much further back, to the middle of the 2nd millennium BC, when northern India was conquered by the Aryans. This book consists of twelve chapters: Chapter I describes the concepts of the origin of the Universe, castes (varnas), and human society; II — rules of life during education; III-IV — rules of life for the householder; V — some religious norms; VI — rules of life for the hermit; VII — instructions on the duties of the king and governance of the state; VIII — instructions on legal proceedings and judicial practice; IX-X are devoted to family relations, punishments for various crimes, and the duties of the members of the varnas; XI — prescriptions on penances and vows.