Question

One of the most famous scriptural texts of early India, Manusmriti was written in _____.
1. Prakrit
2. Sanskrit
3. Pali
4. Hindi

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Sanskrit

The correct answer is Sanskrit.

• Manusmriti is usually translated as "code of Manu", but it literally means "reflections of Manu".
• It was written in Sanskrit.
• It presents itself as a document that compiles and organizes the code of conduct for human society.
• Manu-smriti is the popular name of the work, which is officially known as Manava-dharma-shastra.

 

• The Manusmriti was one of the first Sanskrit texts studied by the European philologists.
  • It was first translated into English by Sir William Jones.
  • His version was published in 1794.