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.
: Historically interpreted as stage-players or actors, commentators clarify this refers specifically to individuals who leverage charm or performance to trap unsuspecting victims into financial ruin or illicit acts.
kitavān kuśīlavān krūrān pāṣaṇḍasthāṃśca mānavān | vikarmasthān śauṇḍikāṃśca kṣipraṃ nirvāsayet purāt || 225 || Literal English Translation:
While primarily referring to sellers of wine, some interpretations also include those habitually addicted to excessive drinking. Historical and Legal Context manusmriti chapter 9 verse 225
Understanding Manusmriti Chapter 9 Verse 225: Context, Translation, and Social Implications
कितवान् कुशीलवान् क्रूरान् पाषण्डस्थांश्च मानवान् ।विकर्मस्थान् शौण्डिकांश्च क्षिप्रं निर्वासयेत् पुरात् ॥ २२५ ॥ Transliteration (IAST):
16 Feb 2018 — Verse 9.225 * Medhātithi's commentary (manubhāṣya): (verses 9.220-227) (No Bāṣhya) * Explanatory notes by Ganganath Jha. 'Krūrān'. Wisdom Library Manusmriti Chapter 9 Verse 225 reveals that ancient
Manusmriti Chapter 9 Verse 225 provides a unique window into the social, cultural, and spiritual norms of ancient India. While the verse reflects a particular historical and cultural context, its impact continues to be felt in modern Indian society.
Those following sects that explicitly opposed the established Vedic social order. In ancient times, this was seen as a threat to the state's spiritual stability. Dealers in Wine (Śauṇḍikān):
"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 'Krūrān'
The mandate to banish "heretics" directly conflicts with modern democratic ideals of freedom of religion, conscience, and speech.
: Those who commit violent acts or harbor malice.
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)
: Corroborates this policy by stating that fraudulent gamblers and those using loaded dice must be branded on the skin and immediately banished across the river borders.
Manusmriti Chapter 9, Verse 225, serves as a directive for ancient statecraft, specifically focusing on the king's duty to maintain social order by purging specific disruptive elements from the city Text and Translation