Manusmriti Chapter 9 Verse 225 Jun 2026

"Gamblers, dancers and singers, cruel men, men belonging to an heretical sect, those following forbidden occupations, and sellers of spirituous liquor, let him instantly banish from his town." Key Components of the Verse

16 Feb 2018 — Verse 9.225 * Medhātithi's commentary (manubhāṣya): (verses 9.220-227) (No Bāṣhya) * Explanatory notes by Ganganath Jha. 'Krūrān'. Wisdom Library

: The instruction for the King to "immediately banish" these individuals suggests that the mere presence of these groups was considered a risk to the stability of a city.

Manusmriti Chapter 9 Verse 225 reveals that ancient Indian governance was heavily focused on preventative public safety. The law treated systemic vice not as an isolated personal choice, but as an existential threat to the state’s tax base and social cohesion. By instructing the King to immediately remove these six corruptive elements, the verse aims to protect law-abiding citizens ( bhadrikāḥ prajāḥ ) from being slowly exploited by underground networks. manusmriti chapter 9 verse 225

People who did not follow the established Vedic dharma or were deemed to follow non-canonical, subversive, or morally reprehensible sects that challenged the accepted social order.

कितवान् कुशीलवान् क्रूरान् पाषण्डस्थांश्च मानवान् । विकर्मस्थान् शौण्डिकांश्च क्षिप्रं निर्वासयेत् पुरात् ॥ २२५ ॥

: 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 "Gamblers, dancers and singers, cruel men, men belonging

(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."

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.

Individuals involved in gambling, which was considered a vice that could lead to financial ruin, crime, and social disorder. Manusmriti Chapter 9 Verse 225 reveals that ancient

: Allowing these actors to remain in the city while awaiting an extended trial gave them opportunities to bribe officials, intimidate witnesses, or plan riots.

kitavān kuśīlavān krūrān pāṣaṇḍasthāṃśca mānavān | vikarmasthān śauṇḍikāṃśca kṣipraṃ nirvāsayet purāt || 225 ||

Many reformers note that the Manusmriti is a smriti (“remembered” text, subject to revision), not a shruti (“revealed” eternal text). Hindu law today is based on custom, equity, and secular legislation—not Manu.

In a contemporary context, this verse is often cited in discussions regarding the of the Manusmriti. While it historically aimed to create a "purified" urban environment, its broad categorization of "heretics" and "actors" as criminals clashes with modern values of religious freedom and professional liberty. The Manusmriti: The Laws of Manu - Amazon.in