Manusmriti Chapter 9 Verse 225 Fixed
focuses on the king's duty to purge the city of specific anti-social elements that pose a threat to the ethical and economic stability of the realm. 1. The Verse and Translation (9.225)
Within this structural framework, Chapter 9, Verse 225 (Manusmriti 9.225) occupies a critical position. It deals directly with statecraft, public order, and the king's duty to purge society of subversive elements. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of Manusmriti Chapter 9 Verse 225, exploring its original Sanskrit text, literal translation, thematic context, and its implications for ancient and modern legal philosophy. The Sanskrit Text and Translation
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.
Individuals who systematically practice professions forbidden to their demographic class or who execute illicit work designed to bypass community safety regulations. manusmriti chapter 9 verse 225
+--------------------+-------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | Category (Sanskrit)| Literal Translation | Perceived Administrative & Social Threat | +--------------------+-------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | Kitavān | Gamblers / Cheats | Income tax evasion, underground syndicates| | Kuśīlavān | Dancers / Actors | Public distraction, espionage vectors | | Krūrān | Cruel / Violent Men | Street level thuggery, violent felonies | | Pāṣaṇḍasthān | Heretics / Apostates | Subversion of the state ideological order | | Vikarmasthān | Workers of Evil Deeds | Practitioners of illegal/black market jobs| | Śauṇḍikān | Wine Dealers / Vintners | Public intoxication, civil disorder | +--------------------+-------------------------+------------------------------------------+ 1. Kitavān (The Gamblers)
"These disguised thieves, living in the King's realm, constantly harass the well-behaved people by their evil deeds."
– The primary criterion for a groom is guṇavattara (possessing superior character, learning, and virtues), not merely birth or wealth. focuses on the king's duty to purge the
: Alcohol consumption was generally condemned for the higher castes, and its sale was seen as a catalyst for social unrest. Philosophical Objective
Gambhārān kuśilavān caiva kịtghnān prātipasthanān | Pura-vāsinaś ca ye pāpās tān rāṣṭrād vipravāsayet ||
The verse lists six specific categories of individuals whom the king is advised to exile "instantly" from the city ( Gamblers ( It deals directly with statecraft, public order, and
Manusmriti Verse 9.225 mandates that the king immediately banish gamblers, deceptive individuals, cruel men, heretics, those acting against scriptures, and liquor sellers from the city to maintain public order. Commentators emphasize that this directive serves as a measure against public nuisances and threats to social morality, requiring the swift expulsion of these specific groups. For more information, visit Wisdomlib . Manusmriti Verse 9.225
Protection under constitutional freedom of speech, capped by public order exceptions.
Cruel, violent, or malicious men. This refers to individuals who possess a disposition toward physical violence, extortion, or terrorizing the citizenry.
"Gamblers, dancers, cruel men, men belonging to heretical sects, men addicted to evil deeds, and dealers in wine—these the King shall instantly banish from his town." Review & Key Themes
The text systematically categorizes six distinct social demographics whose systemic behavior was viewed by ancient Vedic jurists as inherently destabilizing to a rule-of-law framework.