The 225th verse sits within a section that describes "disguised thieves" ( pracchanna-taskara ). The subsequent verse, , explains the rationale for these banishments: these individuals constantly harass "well-behaved people" through their "evil deeds" while living within the protection of the King’s realm.
(Alternate reading / interpretation by some scholars): "Having married a person who is well-vers in the Vedas, and having become himself a high-ranking twice-born, he should give his daughter to that man who is most eminent in virtues." manusmriti chapter 9 verse 225
The Manusmriti is an ancient legal text of Hinduism, composed roughly between the 2nd century BCE and 3rd century CE. It outlines the dharma (duties, rights, laws, conduct) for individuals in various stages of life ( ashramas ) and social classes ( varnas ). primarily deals with topics related to family, inheritance, property rights, and the duties of a husband and wife, particularly in times of distress or when a husband is absent or dead. The 225th verse sits within a section that
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) It outlines the dharma (duties, rights, laws, conduct)
The aim of this verse is to keep the community orderly. The individuals mentioned are viewed as "secret thieves" (pracchannataskarāḥ) because their actions corrupt the population, even if they don't always directly steal property.
functions as a pivotal state-security mandate within ancient Indian jurisprudence, commanding the King to instantly banish gamblers, dancers, cruel men, heretics, executioners of unauthorized deeds, and wine dealers from the capital city. Embedded deep within the Rājadharma (laws governing royal duties) sections of the Manusmriti , this specific verse outlines a zero-tolerance policy against subterranean social elements that destabilize civic morality, tax collection, and the rule of law. Far from being a mere moralistic lecture, the verse provides an actionable blueprint for ancient urban population management and crime prevention.