Why were the Dharmashastras written? - Vidyadip

Question

Why were the Dharmashastras written?

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Answer

The Dharmashastras were written because:

Social life became more complex as new towns emerged. People tended to travel long distances for trade and other purposes.
The Brahmans felt threatened and retaliated by laying down norms or codes of social conduct to be followed by different social groups existed in society.
The norms were compiled in Sanskrit of Dharmashastras, Dharmasutras and the Manusmriti.
The Brahmans claimed what they wrote to be obeyed by everyone. Evidences were contrary as all norms were not followed. The regional diversity which existed in the subcontinent and difficulties of communication could not make that possible.

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