Vice-Chancellor defends decision amidst criticism from academics and activists
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – The Central Sanskrit University (CSU) has sparked a fresh controversy by approving an LLB programme that will include select portions from the Manusmriti, an ancient text known for its role in codifying the Hindu caste system. The decision, which has received approval from the Bar Council of India, has ignited a debate about the relevance and impact of ancient texts in modern legal education.
The Manusmriti is often criticised for its treatment of caste and social hierarchy. Despite this, CSU has decided to include “eternal wisdom” from the text in its curriculum. This move comes on the heels of a similar proposal at Delhi University, which was withdrawn following intervention from Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Prof Shrinivasa Varakhedi, Vice-Chancellor of CSU, defended the inclusion of Manusmriti in the programme during an interview with The Telegraph. He emphasised that the ancient text should be interpreted within the historical context in which it was written. “Manusmriti, like other Smritis, was written thousands of years ago. These texts have two sections — one that expresses eternal knowledge, and the other that reflects the social practices of that era,” Varkhedi explained. “Eternal principles such as integrity are the core teachings of Manusmriti.”
Varkhedi further stated that the text’s descriptions of varna and caste were not prescriptive but reflective of the social norms of its time. “Manusmriti did not lay down rules but only described social practices. Our curriculum will encourage students to critically analyse the evolution of these practices and the reforms that followed,” he said. The course will also incorporate teachings from Buddhism, Jainism, and various social reform movements, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of Indian jurisprudence.
In a WhatsApp message addressing concerns about the controversial nature of the Manusmriti, Varkhedi added, “Not everything related to the Manusmriti can be attributed to the original author. By including such texts in our curriculum, we are not endorsing them, but rather encouraging scholarly debate. Historical texts should be studied to learn or re-learn from the past.”
However, the decision has faced significant backlash in academic circles. Maya John, a member of the academic council at Delhi University and a history faculty member at Jesus and Mary College, has criticised the move. She argued that the Manusmriti is outdated and not suitable for contemporary legal studies. “The jurisprudence paper should examine contemporary legal systems, not try to derive validation from ancient discourses. If Indian traditions are to be included for comparative analysis, why are diverse viewpoints within Indian philosophy being ignored?” she questioned.
Critics argue that the inclusion of Manusmriti could perpetuate outdated and controversial views on caste and social hierarchy. Maya John’s concerns reflect a broader apprehension that integrating such texts into legal education might overshadow modern legal principles and reforms.
The approval of the Manusmriti-centric LLB programme is poised to stir further debate about the role of ancient texts in shaping contemporary legal thought. Advocates for the inclusion of traditional texts argue that understanding historical perspectives can enrich legal education and foster a more nuanced approach to jurisprudence. Critics, however, fear that it may legitimise regressive social norms and detract from more relevant, progressive legal frameworks.
As the CSU prepares to launch its LLB programme, the debate surrounding the inclusion of Manusmriti highlights ongoing tensions between traditional scholarship and modern educational standards. The university’s decision will likely continue to be a point of contention, reflecting broader discussions about the integration of historical texts in contemporary academic and legal contexts.
