Delhi University has introduced a new undergraduate course titled Dharmashastra Studies, which lists Manusmriti as one of its primary texts, sparking controversy over its inclusion.

The course, open to students with a working knowledge of Sanskrit, aims to examine how ancient Indian society was structured, with a particular focus on the varna and caste system, marriage as a foundation for a “civilised social order,” and the role of moral codes in shaping individual conduct, The Times of India reported.

The course has been introduced as a core paper in the current academic session and carries four credits. Its stated objective is to study ancient Indian society as depicted in classical Sanskrit texts broadly categorized under Dharmashastra.

Critics within the university have expressed concern over the inclusion of Manusmriti, a text that has long drawn criticism for upholding caste and gender hierarchies.

Faculty members have questioned the pedagogical rationale behind promoting such texts without adequate contextual critique.

The syllabus is divided into four key units, including the concept of dharma, the study of Dharmashastra, Vyavahara (legal and political structures), and Prayashchitta (penance). 

In addition to Manusmriti, the course includes other ancient Hindu texts such as the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas, and works like the Apastamba Dharmasutra, Boudhayana Dharmasutra, Vashistha Dharmasutra, Yajnavalkya Smriti, Narada Smriti, and the Kautilya Arthashastra as primary readings.

While the university maintains that the course is academic in nature and aims to provide students with insights into ancient Indian jurisprudence and social codes, detractors argue that it risks legitimising regressive social structures without sufficient critical engagement.