Question

Which one of the following is the oldest Smriti?
A. Manu Smriti
B. Narada Smriti
C. Vishnu Dharma Shastra
D. Yajnavalkya Smriti

Answer 1

Hint: The word Smriti literally means ‘which is remembered’ and refers to the written Indian ancient literary traditions composed as old as c. 600-700 BC. These provide knowledge about the socio-political organization and institutions of their contemporary times.

Complete answer: Indian ancient literary traditions primarily consist of two kinds namely Shruti and Smriti. Shruti comprises the oral tradition passed down through generations over, while Smriti consists of the written tradition. Smriti text includes various writings as Vedangas, Puranas, Itihasas, Dharamsutra, Dharamshastra, etc.

-The option A, Manu Smriti is part of the Dharamshastra text. It was attributed to Manu and composed around 250 BCE during the post Mauryan era. It primarily refers to social organization with references made to the four ashrama lifestyles. Conduct of women comes as a central aspect of text with constant emphasis on women as under guardianship of father or spouse. It provides punishment for slaves and women who deviate from moral and social conduct.
-The option B, Narada Smriti, is also a part of Dharma Shastra text. It was supposedly composed around 100 BCE. It bears a lot of similarity to Manu Smriti and therefore few historians believe it as an extended part of the same compiled later on by Narad. The major point of difference could be seen regarding a positive stand taken by Narada Samiti towards practice of niyoga and widow remarriage, unlike Manusmriti.
-The option C, Vishnu Dharma Shastra was composed around. It narrates the story of lord Vishnu saving a submerged earth and then enlightening the people regarding dharma and good conduct. It refers to different situations and the righteous measures to be taken then.
-The option D, Yajnavalkya Smriti was composed around 3-5 c. CE. It is not very different in style compared to other Smritis but yes more concise. It mentions measures regarding revenue collection and also provides women with the right to inherit property. This work focuses more on solutions to prevalent issues rather than condemning them.

Hence, option A is the correct answer.

Note: Manusmriti refers to the concept of Vratya-kshatriya which literally means the ‘fallen kshatriya’. This is to describe the foreign elements coming to the Indian subcontinent and establishing their rule. It is this reference used by Brahmin class to assimilate foreign elements in the traditional varna system.