Manusmriti Chapter 9 Verse 225 «DIRECT ›»

The Manusmriti (The Laws of Manu) is one of the most ancient and debated legal texts in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Composed roughly between the 2nd century BCE and the 3rd century CE, it is a Dharmaśāstra—a treatise on righteous living, social duties, and legal procedures. For centuries, it served as a reference point for Hindu jurisprudence, particularly concerning the varna (caste) system and the roles of women.

However, in the modern era, the Manusmriti is a focal point of intense ideological conflict. To some, it is an invaluable historical record of ancient social evolution. To others, it is a patriarchal and casteist document whose verses justify systemic oppression. No verse exemplifies this tension more starkly than Chapter 9, Verse 225.

In this article, we will dissect this controversial verse: its literal translation, its contextual meaning within ancient law, its intended legal function, and why it remains a lightning rod in contemporary social discourse. manusmriti chapter 9 verse 225

From a contemporary standpoint, 9.225 is widely rejected:

Udvāhayitvā śrotriyaṁ bhūtvā caiva dvijottamaḥ। Prayacched duhitaraṁ tasmai yastu syād guṇavattaraḥ॥ 225 ॥ The Manusmriti (The Laws of Manu) is one

The Sanskrit word used is gopayet, derived from the root gup (to guard, but also to conceal or cover).

This suggests a psychological depth to the feature. "Protecting" the rebellious may also imply "covering" their shame or minimizing their influence to prevent contagion. It suggests that the most effective way to deal with the "adverse" is not public shaming (which fuels their rebellion), but a form of guardianship that limits their capacity to harm while keeping them within the fold. It is a sophisticated form of conflict resolution that prioritizes the stability of the whole over the satisfaction of punishing the part. From a contemporary standpoint, 9

It is crucial to distinguish between prescriptive text (what Manu says should happen) and descriptive reality (what actually happened in history).