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CHAPTERVIII.
1.Aking,desirousofinvestigatinglawcases,mustenterhiscourtofjustice,preservingadignified
demeanour,togetherwithBrahmanasandwithexperiencedcouncillors.
2.There,eitherseatedorstanding,raisinghisrightarm,withoutostentationinhisdressandornaments,
lethimexaminethebusinessofsuitors,
3.Daily(deciding)oneafteranother(allcases)whichfallundertheeighteentitles(ofthelaw)according
toprinciplesdrawnfromlocalusages.andfromtheInstitutesofthesacredlaw.
4.Ofthose(titles)thefirstisthenonpaymentofdebts,(thenfollow),(2)depositandpledge,(3)sale
withoutownership,(4)concernsamongpartners,and(5)resumptionofgifts,
5.(6)Nonpaymentofwages,(7)nonperformanceofagreements,(8)rescissionofsaleandpurchase,
(9)disputesbetweentheowner(ofcattle)andhisservants,
6.(10)Disputesregardingboundaries,(11)assaultand(12)defamation,(13)theft,(14)robberyand
violence,(15)adultery,
7.(16)Dutiesofmanandwife,(17)partition(ofinheritance),(18)gamblingandbettingtheseareinthis
worldtheeighteentopicswhichgiverisetolawsuits.
8.Dependingontheeternallaw,lethimdecidethesuitsofmenwhomostlycontendonthetitlesjust
mentioned.
9.Butifthekingdoesnotpersonallyinvestigatethesuits,thenlethimappointalearnedBrahmanatotry
them.
10.That(man)shallenterthatmostexcellentcourt,accompaniedbythreeassessors,andfullyconsider
(all)causes(brought)beforethe(king),eithersittingdownorstanding.
11.WherethreeBrahmanasversedintheVedasandthelearned(judge)appointedbythekingsitdown,
theycallthatthecourtof(fourfaced)Brahman.
12.Butwherejustice,woundedbyinjustice,approachesandthejudgesdonotextractthedart,there
(theyalso)arewounded(bythatdartofinjustice).
13.Eitherthecourtmustnotbeentered,orthetruthmustbespokenamanwhoeithersaysnothingor
speaksfalsely,becomessinful.
14.Wherejusticeisdestroyedbyinjustice,ortruthbyfalsehood,whilethejudgeslookon,therethey
shallalsobedestroyed.
15.'Justice,beingviolated,destroysjustice,beingpreserved,preserves:thereforejusticemustnotbe
violated,lestviolatedjusticedestroyus.'
16.Fordivinejustice(issaidtobe)abull(vrisha)that(man)whoviolatesit(kurute'lam)thegods
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considertobe(amandespicablelike)aSudra(vrishala)lethim,therefore,bewareofviolatingjustice.
17.Theonlyfriendwhofollowsmenevenafterdeathisjusticeforeverythingelseislostatthesame
timewhenthebody(perishes).
18.Onequarterof(theguiltof)anunjust(decision)fallsonhimwhocommitted(thecrime),onequarter
onthe(false)witness,onequarteronallthejudges,onequarterontheking.
19.Butwherehewhoisworthyofcondemnationiscondemned,thekingisfreefromguilt,andthe
judgesaresaved(fromsin)theguiltfallsontheperpetrator(ofthecrimealone).
20.ABrahmanawhosubsistsonlybythenameofhiscaste(gati),oronewhomerelycallshimselfa
Brahmana(thoughhisoriginbeuncertain),may,attheking'spleasure,interpretthelawtohim,butnever
aSudra.
21.Thekingdomofthatmonarch,wholooksonwhileaSudrasettlesthelaw,willsink(low),likeacow
inamorass.
22.ThatkingdomwhereSudrasareverynumerous,whichisinfestedbyatheistsanddestituteoftwice
born(inhabitants),soonentirelyperishes,afflictedbyfamineanddisease.
23.Havingoccupiedtheseatofjustice,havingcoveredhisbody,andhavingworshippedtheguardian
deitiesoftheworld,lethim,withacollectedmind,beginthetrialofcauses.
24.Knowingwhatisexpedientorinexpedient,whatispurejusticeorinjustice,lethimexaminethe
causesofsuitorsaccordingtotheorderofthecastes(varna).
25.Byexternalsignslethimdiscovertheinternaldispositionofmen,bytheirvoice,theircolour,their
motions,theiraspect,theireyes,andtheirgestures.
26.Theinternal(workingofthe)mindisperceivedthroughtheaspect,themotions,thegait,thegestures,
thespeech,andthechangesintheeyeandoftheface.
27.Thekingshallprotecttheinherited(andother)propertyofaminor,untilhehasreturned(fromhis
teacher'shouse)oruntilhehaspassedhisminority.
28.Inlikemannercaremustbetakenofbarrenwomen,ofthosewhohavenosons,ofthosewhose
familyisextinct,ofwivesandwidowsfaithfultotheirlords,andofwomenafflictedwithdiseases.
29.Arighteouskingmustpunishlikethievesthoserelativeswhoappropriatethepropertyofsuch
femalesduringtheirlifetime.
30.Property,theownerofwhichhasdisappeared,thekingshallcausetobekeptasadepositduring
threeyearswithintheperiodofthreeyearstheownermayclaimit,after(thatterm)thekingmaytakeit.
31.Hewhosays,'Thisbelongstome,'mustbeexaminedaccordingtotheruleifheaccuratelydescribes
theshape,andthenumber(ofthearticlesfound)andsoforth,(heis)theowner,(and)ought(toreceive)
thatproperty.
32.Butifhedoesnotreallyknowthetimeandtheplace(whereitwas)lost,itscolour,shape,andsize,
heisworthyofafineequal(invalue)tothe(objectclaimed).
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33.Nowtheking,rememberingthedutyofgoodmen,maytakeonesixthpartofpropertylostand
afterwardsfound,oronetenth,oratleastonetwelfth.
34.Propertylostandafterwardsfound(bytheking'sservants)shallremaininthekeepingof(special)
officialsthosewhomthekingmayconvictofstealingit,heshallcausetobeslainbyanelephant.
35.Fromthatmanwhoshalltrulysaywithrespecttotreasuretrove,'Thisbelongstome,'thekingmay
takeonesixthoronetwelfthpart.
36.Buthewhofalselysays(so),shallbefinedinoneeighthofhisproperty,or,acalculationof(the
valueof)thetreasurehavingbeenmade,insomesmallerportion(ofthat).
37.WhenalearnedBrahmanahasfoundtreasure,depositedinformer(times),hemaytakeeventhe
whole(ofit)forheismasterofeverything.
38.WhenthekingfindstreasureofoldconcealedinthegroundlethimgiveonehalftoBrahmanasand
placethe(other)halfinhistreasury.
39.Thekingobtainsonehalfofancienthoardsandmetals(found)intheground,byreasonof(his
giving)protection,(and)becauseheisthelordofthesoil.
40.Propertystolenbythievesmustberestoredbythekingto(menof)allcastes(varna)akingwhouses
such(property)forhimselfincurstheguiltofathief.
41.(Aking)whoknowsthesacredlaw,mustinquireintothelawsofcastes(gati),ofdistricts,ofguilds,
andoffamilies,and(thus)settlethepeculiarlawofeach.
42.Formenwhofollowtheirparticularoccupationsandabidebytheirparticularduty,becomedearto
people,thoughtheymayliveatadistance.
43.Neitherthekingnoranyservantofhisshallthemselvescausealawsuittobebegun,orhushupone
thathasbeenbrought(beforethem)by(some)other(man).
44.Asahuntertracesthelairofa(wounded)deerbythedropsofblood,evensothekingshalldiscover
onwhichsidetherightlies,byinferences(fromthefacts).
45.Whenengagedinjudicialproceedingshemustpayfullattentiontothetruth,totheobject(ofthe
dispute),(and)tohimself,nexttothewitnesses,totheplace,tothetime,andtotheaspect.
46.Whatmayhavebeenpractisedbythevirtuous,bysuchtwicebornmenasaredevotedtothelaw,
thatheshallestablishaslaw,ifitbenotopposedtothe(customsof)countries,families,andcastes(gati).
47.Whenacreditorsues(beforetheking)fortherecoveryofmoneyfromadebtor,lethimmakethe
debtorpaythesumwhichthecreditorproves(tobedue).
48.Bywhatevermeansacreditormaybeabletoobtainpossessionofhisproperty,evenbythosemeans
mayheforcethedebtorandmakehimpay.
49.Bymoralsuasion,bysuitoflaw,byartfulmanagement,orbythecustomaryproceeding,acreditor
mayrecoverpropertylentandfifthly,byforce.
50.Acreditorwhohimselfrecovershispropertyfromhisdebtor,mustnotbeblamedbythekingfor
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retakingwhatishisown.
51.Buthimwhodeniesadebtwhichisprovedbygoodevidence,heshallordertopaythatdebttothe
creditorandasmallfineaccordingtohiscircumstances.
52.Onthedenial(ofadebt)byadebtorwhohasbeenrequiredincourttopayit,thecomplainantmust
call(awitness)whowaspresent(whentheloanwasmade),oradduceotherevidence.
53.(Theplaintiff)whocallsawitnessnotpresentatthetransaction,whoretractshisstatements,ordoes
notperceivethathisstatements(are)confusedorcontradictory
54.Orwhohavingstatedwhathemeanstoproveafterwardsvaries(hiscase),orwhobeingquestioned
onafactdulystatedbyhimselfdoesnotabidebyit
55.Orwhoconverseswiththewitnessesinaplaceimproperforsuchconversationorwhodeclinesto
answeraquestion,properlyput,orleaves(thecourt)
56.Orwho,beingorderedtospeak,doesnotanswer,ordoesnotprovewhathehasallegedorwhodoes
notknowwhatisthefirst(point),andwhatthesecond,failsinhissuit.
57.Himalsowhosays'Ihavewitnesses,'and,beingorderedtoproducethem,producesthemnot,the
judgemustonthese(same)groundsdeclaretobenonsuited.
58.Ifaplaintiffdoesnotspeak,hemaybepunishedcorporallyorfinedaccordingtothelawif(a
defendant)doesnotpleadwithinthreefortnights,hehaslosthiscause.
59.Inthedoubleofthatsumwhich(adefendant)falselydeniesoronwhich(theplaintiff)falsely
declares,shallthosetwo(men)offendingagainstjusticebefinedbytheking.
60.(Adefendant)who,beingbrought(intocourt)bythecreditor,(and)beingquestioned,denies(the
debt),shallbeconvicted(ofhisfalsehood)byatleastthreewitnesses(whomustdepose)inthepresence
oftheBrahmana(appointedby)theking.
61.Iwillfullydeclarewhatkindofmenmaybemadewitnessesinsuitsbycreditors,andinwhat
mannerthose(witnesses)mustgivetrue(evidence).
62.Householders,menwithmaleissue,andindigenous(inhabitantsofthecountry,bethey)Kshatriyas,
Vaisyas,orSudras,arecompetent,whencalledbyasuitor,togiveevidence,notanypersonswhatever
(theirconditionmaybe)exceptincasesofurgency.
63.Trustworthymenofallthe(four)castes(varna)maybemadewitnessesinlawsuits,(men)whoknow
(their)wholeduty,andarefreefromcovetousnessbutlethimrejectthose(ofan)opposite(character).
64.Thosemustnotbemade(witnesses)whohaveaninterestinthesuit,norfamiliar(friends),
companions,andenemies(oftheparties),nor(men)formerlyconvicted(ofperjury),nor(persons)
sufferingunder(severe)illness,nor(those)tainted(bymortalsin).
65.Thekingcannotbemadeawitness,normechanicsandactors,nora:Srotriya,norastudentofthe
Veda,nor(anascetic)whohasgivenup(all)connexion(withtheworld),
66.Noronewhollydependent,noroneofbadfame,noraDasyu,noronewhofollowsforbidden
occupations,noranaged(man),noraninfant,norone(manalone),noramanofthelowestcastes,nor
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onedeficientinorgansofsense,
67.Noroneextremelygrieved,noroneintoxicated,noramadman,noronetormentedbyhungeror
thirst,noroneoppressedbyfatigue,noronetormentedbydesire,norawrathfulman,norathief.
68.Womenshouldgiveevidenceforwomen,andfortwicebornmentwicebornmen(ofthe)same
(kind),virtuousSudrasforSudras,andmenofthelowestcastesforthelowest.
69.Butanypersonwhatsoever,whohaspersonalknowledge(ofanactcommitted)intheinterior
apartments(ofahouse),orinaforest,orof(acrimecausing)lossoflife,maygiveevidencebetweenthe
parties.
70.Onfailure(ofqualifiedwitnesses,evidence)maygiven(insuchcases)byawoman,byaninfant,by
anagedman,byapupil,byarelative,byaslave,orbyahiredservant.
71.Butthe(judge)shouldconsidertheevidenceofinfants,agedanddiseasedmen,who(areaptto)
speakuntruly,asuntrustworthy,likewisethatofmenwithdisorderedminds.
72.Inallcasesofviolence,oftheftandadultery,ofdefamationandassault,hemustnotexaminethe
(competenceof)witnesses(toostrictly).
73.Onaconflictofthewitnessesthekingshallaccept(astrue)theevidenceofthe)majorityif(the
conflictingpartiesare)equalinnumber,(thatof)thosedistinguishedbygoodqualitiesonadifference
between(equally)distinguished(witnesses,thatof)thebestamongthetwiceborn.
74.Evidenceinaccordancewithwhathasactuallybeenseenorheard,isadmissibleawitnesswho
speakstruthinthose(cases),neitherlosesspiritualmeritnorwealth.
75.Awitnesswhodeposesinanassemblyofhonourablemen(Arya)anythingelsebutwhathehasseen
orheard,fallsafterdeathheadlongintohellandlosesheaven.
76.Whenaman(originally)notappointedtobeawitnessseesorhearsanythingandis(afterwards)
examinedregardingit,hemustdeclareit(exactly)ashesaworheardit.
77.Onemanwhoisfreefromcovetousnessmaybe(acceptedas)witnessbutnotevenmanypure
women,becausetheunderstandingoffemalesisapttowaver,norevenmanyothermen,whoaretainted
withsin.
78.Whatwitnessesdeclarequitenaturally,thatmustbereceivedontrials(depositions)differingfrom
that,whichtheymakeimproperly,areworthlessfor(thepurposesof)justice.
79.Thewitnessesbeingassembledinthecourtinthepresenceoftheplaintiffandofthedefendant,let
thejudgeexaminethem,kindlyexhortingtheminthefollowingmanner:
80.'Whatyeknowtohavebeenmutuallytransactedinthismatterbetweenthetwomenbeforeus,
declareallthatinaccordancewiththetruthforyearewitnessesinthis(cause).
81.'Awitnesswhospeaksthetruthinhisevidence,gains(afterdeath)themostexcellentregions(of
bliss)andhere(below)unsurpassablefamesuchtestimonyisreveredbyBrahman(himself).
82.'HewhogivesfalseevidenceisfirmlyboundbyVaruna'sfetters,helplessduringonehundred
existenceslet(mentherefore)givetrueevidence.
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83.'Bytruthfulnessawitnessispurified,throughtruthfulnesshismeritgrows,truthmust,therefore,be
spokenbywitnessesofallcastes(varna).
84.'TheSoulitselfisthewitnessoftheSoul,andtheSoulistherefugeoftheSouldespisenotthyown
Soul,thesupremewitnessofmen.
85.'Thewicked,indeed,sayintheirhearts,"Nobodyseesus"butthegodsdistinctlyseethemandthe
malewithintheirownbreasts.
86.'Thesky,theearth,thewaters,(themalein)theheart,themoon,thesun,thefire,Yamaandthewind,
thenight,thetwotwilights,andjusticeknowtheconductofallcorporealbeings.'
87.The(judge),beingpurified,shallaskintheforenoonthetwiceborn(witnesses)who(alsohavebeen)
purified,(andstand)facingthenorthortheeast,togivetrueevidenceinthepresenceof(imagesof)the
godsandofBrahmanas.
88.LethimexamineaBrahmana(beginningwith)'Speak,'aKshatriya(beginningwith)'Speakthetruth,'
aVaisya(admonishinghim)by(mentioning)hiskine,grain,andgold,aSudra(threateninghim)with
(theguiltof)everycrimethatcauseslossofcaste
89.(Saying),'Whateverplaces(oftorment)areassigned(bythesages)totheslayerofaBrahmana,to
themurdererofwomenandchildren,tohimwhobetraysafriend,andtoanungratefulman,thoseshall
bethy(portion),ifthouspeakestfalsely.
90.'(Thereward)ofallmeritoriousdeedswhichthou,goodman,hastdonesincethybirth,shallbecome
theshareofthedogs,ifinthyspeechthoudepartestfromthetruth.
91.'Ifthouthinkest,Ofriendofvirtue,withrespecttothyself,"Iamalone,"(knowthat)thatsagewho
witnessesallvirtuousactsandallcrimes,everresidesinthyheart.
92.'IfthouartnotatvariancewiththatdivineYama,thesonofVivasvat,whodwellsinthyheart,thou
needestneithervisittheGangesnorthe(landofthe)Kurus.
93.'Nakedandshorn,tormentedwithhungerandthirst,anddeprivedofsight,shallthemanwhogives
falseevidence,gowithapotsherdtobegfoodatthedoorofhisenemy.
94.'Headlong,inutterdarknessshallthesinfulmantumbleintohell,whobeinginterrogatedinajudicial
inquiryanswersonequestionfalsely.
95.'Thatmanwhoinacourt(ofjustice)givesanuntrueaccountofatransaction(orassertsafact)of
whichhewasnotaneyewitness,resemblesablindmanwhoswallowsfishwiththebones.
96.'Thegodsareacquaintedwithnobettermaninthisworldthanhim,ofwhomhisconsciousSoulhas
nodistrust,whenhegivesevidence.
97.'Learnnow,Ofriend,fromanenumerationindueorder,howmanyrelativeshedestroyswhogives
falseevidenceinseveralparticularcases.
98.'HekillsfivebyfalseTestimonyregarding(small)cattle,hekillstenbyfalsetestimonyregarding
kine,hekillsahundredbyfalseevidenceconcerninghorses,andathousandbyfalseevidence
concerningmen.
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99.'Byspeakingfalselyinacauseregardinggold,hekillsthebornandtheunbornbyfalseevidence
concerningland,hekillseverythingbeware,therefore,offalseevidenceconcerningland.
100.'Theydeclare(falseevidence)concerningwater,concerningthecarnalenjoymentofwomen,and
concerningallgems,producedinwater,orconsistingofstones(tobe)equally(wicked)asalie
concerningland.
101.'Markingwellalltheevils(whichareproduced)byperjury,declarethouopenlyeverythingas(thou
hast)heardorseen(it).'
102.Brahmanaswhotendcattle,whotrade,whoaremechanics,actors(orsingers),menialservantsor
usurers,the(judge)shalltreatlikeSudras.
103.In(some)casesamanwho,thoughknowing(thefactstobe)different,givessuch(falseevidence)
fromapiousmotive,doesnotloseheavensuch(evidence)theycallthespeechofthegods.
104.WheneverthedeathofaSudra,ofaVaisya,ofaKshatriya,orofaBrahmanawouldbe(caused)by
adeclarationofthetruth,afalsehoodmaybespokenforsuch(falsehood)ispreferabletothetruth.
105.Such(witnesses)mustoffertoSarasvatioblationsofboiledrice(karu)whicharesacredtothe
goddessofspeech,(thus)performingthebestpenanceinordertoexpiatetheguiltofthatfalsehood.
106.Orsuch(awitness)mayofferaccordingtotherule,clarifiedbutterinthefire,recitingthe
Kushmandatexts,ortheRik,sacredtoVaruna,'Untie,OVaruna,theuppermostfetter,'orthethree
versesaddressedtotheWaters.
107.Amanwho,withoutbeingill,doesnotgiveevidencein(casesof)loansandthelikewithinthree
fortnights(afterthesummons),shallbecomeresponsibleforthewholedebtand(pay)atenthpartofthe
whole(asafinetotheking).
108.Thewitnesstowhom,withinsevendaysafterhehasgivenevidence,happens(amisfortune
through)sickness,afire,orthedeathofarelative,shallbemadetopaythedebtandafine.
109.Iftwo(parties)disputeaboutmattersforwhichnowitnessesareavailable,andthe(judge)isunable
toreallyascertainthetruth,hemaycauseittobediscoveredevenbyanoath.
110.Bothbythegreatsagesandthegodsoathshavebeentakenforthepurposeof(decidingdoubtful)
mattersandVasishthaevensworeanoathbeforeking(Sudas),thesonofPigavana.
111.Letnowisemanswearanoathfalsely,eveninatriflingmatterforhewhoswearsanoathfalselyis
lostinthis(world)andafterdeath.
112.Nocrime,causinglossofcaste,iscommittedbyswearing(falsely)towomen,theobjectsofone's
desire,atmarriages,forthesakeoffodderforacow,oroffuel,andin(ordertoshow)favourtoa
Brahmana.
113.Letthe(judge)causeaBrahmanatoswearbyhisveracity,aKshatriyabyhischariotortheanimal
heridesonandbyhisweapons,aVaisyabyhiskine,grain,andgold,andaSudraby(imprecatingonhis
ownheadtheguilt)ofallgrievousoffences(pataka).
114.Orthe(judge)maycausethe(party)tocarryfireortodiveunderwater,orseverallytotouchthe
headsofhiswivesandchildren.
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115.Hewhomtheblazingfireburnsnot,whomthewaterforcesnottocome(quickly)up,whomeets
withnospeedymisfortune,mustbeheldinnocenton(thestrengthof)hisoath.
116.ForformerlywhenVatsawasaccusedbyhisyoungerbrother,thefire,thespyoftheworld,burned
notevenahair(ofhis)byreasonofhisveracity.
117.Wheneverfalseevidencehasbeengiveninanysuit,letthe(judge)reversethejudgment,and
whateverhasbeendonemustbe(consideredas)undone.
118.Evidence(given)fromcovetousness,distraction,terror,friendship,lust,wrath,ignorance,and
childishnessisdeclared(tobe)invalid.
119.Iwillpropoundin(due)ordertheparticularpunishmentsforhimwhogivesfalseevidencefromany
oneofthesemotives.
120.(Hewhocommitsperjury)throughcovetousnessshallbefinedonethousand(panas),(hewhodoes
it)throughdistraction,inthelowestamercement(ifamandoesit)throughfear,twomiddling
amercementsshallbepaidasafine,(ifhedoesit)throughfriendship,fourtimestheamountofthe
lowest(amercement).
121.(Hewhodoesit)throughlust,(shallpay)tentimesthelowestamercement,but(hewhodoesit)
throughwrath,threetimesthenext(orsecondamercement)(hewhodoesit)throughignorance,twofull
hundreds,but(hewhodoesit)throughchildishness,onehundred(panas).
122.Theydeclarethatthewisehaveprescribedthesefinesforperjury,inordertopreventafailureof
justice,andinordertorestraininjustice.
123.Butajustkingshallfineandbanish(menof)thethree(lower)castes(varna)whohavegivenfalse
evidence,butaBrahmanaheshall(only)banish.
124.Manu,thesonoftheSelfexistent(Svayambhu),hasnamedtenplacesonwhichpunishmentmaybe
(madetofall)inthecasesofthethree(lower)castes(varna)butaBrahmanashalldepartunhurt(from
thecountry).
125.(Theseare)theorgan,thebelly,thetongue,thetwohands,andfifthlythetwofeet,theeye,the
nose,thetwoears,likewisethe(whole)body.
126.Letthe(king),havingfullyascertainedthemotive,thetimeandplace(oftheoffence),andhaving
consideredtheability(ofthecriminaltosuffer)andthe(natureofthe)crime,causepunishmenttofallon
thosewhodeserveit.
127.Unjustpunishmentdestroysreputationamongmen,andfame(afterdeath),andcauseseveninthe
nextworldthelossofheavenlethim,therefore,bewareof(inflicting)it.
128.Akingwhopunishesthosewhodonotdeserveit,andpunishesnotthosewhodeserveit,brings
greatinfamyonhimselfand(afterdeath)sinksintohell.
129.Lethimpunishfirstby(gentle)admonition,afterwardsby(harsh)reproof,thirdlybyafine,after
thatbycorporalchastisement.
130.Butwhenhecannotrestrainsuch(offenders)evenbycorporalpunishment,thenlethimapplyto
themevenallthefour(modescojointly).
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131.Thosetechnicalnamesof(certainquantitiesof)copper,silver,andgold,whicharegenerallyused
onearthforthepurposeofbusinesstransactionsamongmen,Iwillfullydeclare.
132.Theverysmallmotewhichisseenwhenthesunshinesthroughalattice,theydeclare(tobe)the
leastof(all)quantitiesand(tobecalled)atrasarenu(afloatingparticleofdust).
133.Know(that)eighttrasarenus(areequal)inbulk(to)aliksha(theeggofalouse),threeofthoseto
onegrainofblackmustard(ragasarshapa),andthreeofthelattertoawhitemustardseed.
134.Sixgrainsofwhitemustardareonemiddlesizedbarleycorn,andthreebarleycornsonekrishnala
(raktika,orgungaberry)fivekrishnalasareonemasha(bean),andsixteenofthoseonesuvarna.
135.Foursuvarnasareonepala,andtenpalasonedharanatwokrishnalas(ofsilver),weighedtogether,
mustbeconsideredonemashakaofsilver.
136.Sixteenofthosemakeasilverdharana,orpuranabutknow(that)akarshaofcopperisa
karshapana,orpana.
137.Know(that)tendharanasofsilvermakeonesatamanafoursuvarnasmustbeconsidered(equal)in
weighttoanishka.
138.Twohundredandfiftypanasaredeclared(tobe)thefirst(orlowest)amercement,five(hundred)
areconsideredasthemean(ormiddlemost),butonethousandasthehighest.
139.Adebtbeingadmittedasdue,(thedefendant)shallpayfiveinthehundred(asafine),ifitbedenied
(andproved)twiceasmuchthatistheteachingofManu.
140.Amoneylendermaystipulateasanincreaseofhiscapital,fortheinterest,allowedbyVasishtha,
andtakemonthlytheeightiethpartofahundred.
141.Or,rememberingthedutyofgoodmen,hemaytaketwointhehundred(bythemonth),forhewho
takestwointhehundredbecomesnotasinnerforgain.
142.Justtwointhehundred,three,four,andfive(andnotmore),hemaytakeasmonthlyinterest
accordingtotheorderofthecastes(varna).
143.Butifabeneficialpledge(i.e.onefromwhichprofitaccrues,hasbeengiven),heshallreceiveno
interestontheloannorcanhe,afterkeeping(such)apledgeforaverylongtime,giveorsellit.
144.Apledge(tobekeptonly)mustnotbeusedbyforce,(thecreditor),sousingit,shallgiveuphis
(whole)interest,or,(ifithasbeenspoiltbyuse)heshallsatisfythe(owner)by(payingits)originalprice
elsehecommitsatheftofthepledge.
145.Neitherapledgenoradepositcanbelostbylapseoftimetheyarebothrecoverable,thoughthey
haveremainedlong(withthebailee).
146.Thingsusedwithfriendlyassent,acow,acamel,aridinghorse,and(abeast)madeoverfor
breakingin,areneverlost(totheowner).
147.(Butingeneral)whatever(chattel)anownerseesenjoyedbyothersduringtenyears,while,though
present,hesaysnothing,that(chattel)heshallnotrecover.
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148.If(theowneris)neitheranidiotnoraminorandif(hischattel)isenjoyed(byanother)beforehis
eyes,itislosttohimbylawtheadversepossessorshallretainthatproperty.
149.Apledge,aboundary,thepropertyofinfants,an(open)deposit,asealeddeposit,women,the
propertyofthekingandthewealthofaSrotriyaarenotlostinconsequenceof(adverse)enjoyment.
150.Thefoolwhousesapledgewithoutthepermissionoftheowner,shallremithalfofhisinterest,asa
compensationfor(such)use.
151.Inmoneytransactionsinterestpaidatonetime(notbyinstalments)shallneverexceedthedouble
(oftheprincipal)ongrain,fruit,woolorhair,(and)beastsofburdenitmustnotbemorethanfivetimes
(theoriginalamount).
152.Stipulatedinterestbeyondthelegalrate,beingagainst(thelaw),cannotberecoveredtheycallthat
ausuriousway(oflending)(thelender)is(innocase)entitledto(morethan)fiveinthehundred.
153.Lethimnottakeinterestbeyondtheyear,norsuchasisunapproved,norcompoundinterest,
periodicalinterest,stipulatedinterest,andcorporalinterest.
154.Hewho,unabletopayadebt(atthefixedtime),wishestomakeanewcontract,mayrenewthe
agreement,afterpayingtheinterestwhichisdue.
155.Ifhecannotpaythemoney(dueasinterest),hemayinsertitintherenewed(agreement)hemust
payasmuchinterestasmaybedue.
156.Hewhohasmadeacontracttocarrygoodsbyawheeledcarriageformoneyandhasagreedtoa
certainplaceortime,shallnotreapthatreward,ifhedoesnotkeeptotheplaceandthetime(stipulated).
157.Whateverratemenfix,whoareexpertinseavoyagesandabletocalculate(theprofit)accordingto
theplace,thetime,andtheobjects(carried),that(haslegalforce)insuchcaseswithrespecttothe
payment(tobemade).
158.Themanwhobecomesasuretyinthis(world)fortheappearanceofa(debtor),andproduceshim
not,shallpaythedebtoutofhisownproperty.
159.Butmoneyduebyasurety,oridlypromised,orlostatplay,ordueforspirituousliquor,orwhat
remainsunpaidofafineandataxorduty,theson(ofthepartyowingit)shallnotbeobligedtopay.
160.Thisjustmentionedruleshallapplytothecaseofasuretyforappearance(only)ifasuretyfor
paymentshoulddie,the(judge)maycompelevenhisheirstodischargethedebt.
161.Onwhataccountthenisitthatafterthedeathofasuretyotherthanforpayment,whoseaffairsare
fullyknown,thecreditormay(insomecases)afterwardsdemandthedebt(oftheheirs)?
162.Ifthesuretyhadreceivedmoney(fromhimforwhomhestoodbail)andhadmoneyenough(to
pay),then(theheirofhim)whoreceivedit,shallpay(thedebt)outofhispropertythatisthesettled
rule.
163.Acontractmadebyapersonintoxicated,orinsane,orgrievouslydisordered(bydiseaseandso
forth),orwhollydependent,byaninfantorveryagedman,orbyanunauthorised(party)isinvalid.
164.Thatagreementwhichhasbeenmadecontrarytothelawortothesettledusage(ofthevirtuous),
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canhavenolegalforce,thoughitbeestablished(byproofs).
165.Afraudulentmortgageorsale,afraudulentgiftoracceptance,and(anytransaction)wherehe
detectsfraud,the(judge)shalldeclarenullandvoid.
166.Ifthedebtorbedeadand(themoneyborrowed)wasexpendedforthefamily,itmustbepaidbythe
relativesoutoftheirownestateeveniftheyaredivided.
167.Shouldevenapersonwhollydependentmakeacontractforthebehoofofthefamily,themaster(of
thehouse),whether(living)inhisowncountryorabroad,shallnotrescindit.
168.Whatisgivenbyforce,whatisenjoyedbyforce,alsowhathasbeencausedtobewrittenbyforce,
andallothertransactionsdonebyforce,Manuhasdeclaredvoid.
169.Threesufferforthesakeofothers,witnesses,asurety,andjudgesbutfourenrichthemselves
(throughothers),aBrahmana,amoneylender,amerchant,andaking.
170.Noking,howeverindigent,shalltakeanythingthatoughtnottobetaken,norshallhe,however
wealthy,declinetakingthatwhichheoughttotake,beiteversosmall.
171.Inconsequenceofhistakingwhatoughtnottobetaken,orofhisrefusingwhatoughttobe
received,akingwillbeaccusedofweaknessandperishinthis(world)andafterdeath.
172.Bytakinghisdue,bypreventingtheconfusionofthecastes(varna),andbyprotectingtheweak,the
powerofthekinggrows,andheprospersinthis(world)andafterdeath.
173.Lettheprince,therefore,likeYama,notheedinghisownlikingsanddislikings,behaveexactlylike
Yama,suppressinghisangerandcontrollinghimself.
174.Butthatevilmindedkingwhoinhisfollydecidescausesunjustly,hisenemiessoonsubjugate.
175.If,subduingloveandhatred,hedecidesthecausesaccordingtothelaw,(theheartsof)hissubjects
turntowardshimastherivers(run)towardstheocean.
176.(Thedebtor)whocomplainstothekingthathiscreditorrecovers(thedebt)independently(ofthe
court),shallbecompelledbythekingtopay(asafine)onequarter(ofthesum)andtohis(creditor)the
money(due).
177.Evenby(personal)labourshallthedebtormakegood(whatheowes)tohiscreditor,ifhebeofthe
samecasteorofaloweronebuta(debtor)ofahighercasteshallpayitgradually(whenheearns
something).
178.Accordingtotheserulesletthekingequitablydecidebetweenmen,whodisputewitheachotherthe
matters,whichareprovedbywitnessesand(other)evidence.
179.Asensiblemanshouldmakeadeposit(only)withapersonof(good)family,ofgoodconduct,well
acquaintedwiththelaw,veracious,havingmanyrelatives,wealthy,andhonourable(arya).
180.Inwhatevermannerapersonshalldepositanythinginthehandsofanother,inthesamemanner
oughtthesamethingtobereceivedback(bytheowner)asthedelivery(was,somustbe)there
delivery.
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181.Hewhorestoresnothisdeposittothedepositorathisrequest,maybetriedbythejudgeinthe
depositor'sabsence.
182.Onfailureofwitnessesletthe(judge)actuallydepositgoldwiththat(defendant)undersomepretext
orotherthroughspiesofsuitableageandappearance(andafterwardsdemanditback).
183.Ifthe(defendant)restoresitinthemannerandshapeinwhichitwasbailed,thereisnothing(ofthat
description)inhishands,forwhichothersaccusehim.
184.Butifherestoresnotthatgold,asbeought,tothose(spies),thenheshallbecompelledbyforceto
restoreboth(deposits)thatisasettledruleoflaw.
185.Anopenorasealeddepositmustneverbereturnedtoanearrelative(ofthedepositorduringthe
latter'slifetime)forif(therecipient)dies(withoutdeliveringthem),theyarelost,butifhedoesnotdie,
theyarenotlost.
186.But(adepositary)whoofhisownaccordreturnsthemtoanearrelativeofadeceased(depositor),
mustnotbeharassed(aboutthem)bythekingorbythedepositor'srelatives.
187.And(indoubtfulcases)heshouldtrytoobtainthatobjectbyfriendlymeans,without(having
recourseto)artifice,orhavinginquiredinto(depositary's)conduct,heshouldsettle(thematter)with
gentlemeans.
188.Suchistheruleforobtainingbackallthoseopendepositsinthecaseofasealeddeposit(the
depositary)shallincurno(censure),unlesshehastakenoutsomething.
189.(Adeposit)whichhasbeenstolenbythievesorwashedawaybywaterorburnedbyfire,(the
bailee)shallnotmakeitgood,unlesshetookpartofit(forhimself).
190.Himwhoappropriatesadepositandhim(whoasksforit)withouthavingmadeit,(thejudge)shall
trybyall(sortsof)means,andbytheoathsprescribedintheVeda.
191.Hewhodoesnotreturnadepositandhewhodemandswhatheneverbailedshallbothbepunished
likethieves,orbecompelledtopayafineequal(tothevalueoftheobjectretainedorclaimed).
192.Thekingshouldcompelhimwhodoesnotrestoreanopendeposit,andinlikemannerhimwho
retainsasealeddeposit,topayafineequal(toitsvalue).
193.Thatmanwhobyfalsepretencesmaypossesshimselfofanother'sproperty,shallbepublicly
punishedbyvarious(modesof)corporal(orcapital)chastisement,togetherwithhisaccomplices.
194.Ifadepositofaparticulardescriptionorquantityisbailedbyanybodyinthepresenceofanumber
(ofwitnesses),itmustbeknowntobeofthatparticular(descriptionandquantitythedepositary)who
makesafalsestatement(regardingit)isliabletoafine.
195.Butifanythingisdeliveredorreceivedprivately,itmustbeprivatelyreturnedasthebailment(was,
soshouldbe)theredelivery.
196.Thusletthekingdecide(causes)concerningadepositandafriendlyloan(foruse)withoutshowing
(undue)rigourtothedepositary.
197.Ifanybodysellsthepropertyofanotherman,withoutbeingtheownerandwithouttheassentofthe
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owner,the(judge)shallnotadmithimwhoisathief,thoughhemaynotconsiderhimselfasathief,asa
witness(inanycase).
198.Ifthe(offender)isakinsman(oftheowner),heshallbefinedsixhundredpanasifheisnota
kinsman,norhasanyexcuse,heshallbeguiltyoftheft.
199.Agiftorsale,madebyanybodyelsebuttheowner,mustbeconsideredasnullandvoid,according
totheruleinjudicialproceedings.
200.Wherepossessionisevident,butnotitleisperceived,therethetitle(shallbe)aproof(of
ownership),notpossessionsuchisthesettledrule.
201.Hewhoobtainsachattelinthemarketbeforeanumber(ofwitnesses),acquiresthatchattelwitha
clearlegaltitlebypurchase.
202.Iftheoriginal(seller)benotproducible,(thebuyer)beingexculpatedbyapublicsale,mustbe
dismissedbythekingwithoutpunishment,but(theformerowner)wholostthechattelshallreceiveit
(backfromthebuyer).
203.Onecommoditymixedwithanothermustnotbesold(aspure),norabadone(asgood),norless
(thantheproperquantityorweight),noranythingthatisnotathandorthatisconcealed.
204.If,afteronedamselhasbeenshown,anotherbegiventothebridegroom,hemaymarrythemboth
forthesamepricethatManuordained.
205.Hewhogives(adamselinmarriage),havingfirstopenlydeclaredherblemishes,whethershebe
insane,orafflictedwithleprosy,orhavelosthervirginity,isnotliabletopunishment.
206.Ifanofficiatingpriest,chosentoperformasacrifice,abandonshiswork,ashareonly(ofthefee)in
proportiontothework(done)shallbegiventohimbythosewhoworkwithhim.
207.Buthewhoabandonshisworkafterthesacrificialfeeshavebeengiven,shallobtainhisfullshare
andcausetobeperformed(whatremains)byanother(priest).
208.Butif(specific)feesareordainedfortheseveralpartsofarite,shallhe(whoperformsthepart)
receivethem,orshalltheyallsharethem?
209.TheAdhvaryupriestshalltakethechariot,andtheBrahmanatthekindlingofthefires
(Agnyadhana)ahorse,theHotripriestshallalsotakeahorse,andtheUdgatrithecart,(used)when(the
Soma)ispurchased.
210.The(four)chiefpriestsamongall(thesixteen),whoareentitledtoonehalf,shallreceiveamoiety
(ofthefee),thenext(four)onehalfofthat,thesetentitledtoathirdshare,onethird,andthoseentitledto
afourthaquarter.
211.Bytheapplicationoftheseprinciplestheallotmentofsharesmustbemadeamongthosemenwho
here(below)performtheirworkconjointly.
212.Shouldmoneybegiven(orpromised)forapiouspurposebyonemantoanotherwhoasksforit,the
giftshallbevoid,ifthe(moneyis)afterwardsnot(used)inthemanner(stated).
213.Butifthe(recipient)throughprideorgreedtriestoenforce(thefulfilmentofthepromise),heshall
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becompelledbythekingtopayonesuvarnaasanexpiationforhistheft.
214.ThusthelawfulsubtractionofagifthasbeenfullyexplainedIwillnextpropound(thelawfor)the
nonpaymentofwages.
215.Ahired(servantorworkman)who,withoutbeingill,outofpridefailstoperformhiswork
accordingtotheagreement,shallbefinedeightkrishnalasandnowagesshallbepaidtohim.
216.But(ifheisreally)ill,(and)afterrecoveryperforms(hiswork)accordingtotheoriginalagreement,
heshallreceivehiswagesevenafter(thelapseof)averylongtime.
217.Butifhe,whethersickorwell,doesnot(performor)causetobeperformed(byothers)hiswork
accordingtohisagreement,thewagesforthatworkshallnotbegiventohim,even(ifitbeonly)slightly
incomplete.
218.ThusthelawforthenonpaymentofwageshasbeencompletelystatedIwillnextexplainthelaw
concerningmenwhobreakanagreement.
219.Ifamanbelongingtoacorporationinhabitingavillageoradistrict,afterswearingtoanagreement,
breaksitthroughavarice,(theking)shallbanishhimfromhisrealm,
220.Andhavingimprisonedsuchabreakerofanagreement,heshallcompelhimtopaysixnishkas,
(eachof)foursuvarnas,andonesatamanaofsilver.
221.Arighteouskingshallapplythislawoffinesinvillagesandcastes(gati)tothosewhobreakan
agreement.
222.Ifanybodyinthis(world),afterbuyingorsellinganything,repent(ofhisbargain),hemayreturnor
take(back)thatchattelwithintendays.
223.Butafter(thelapseof)tendayshemayneithergivenorcauseittobegiven(back)bothhewho
takesit(back)andhewhogivesit(back,exceptbyconsent)shallbefinedbythekingsixhundred
(panas).
224.Butthekinghimselfshallimposeafineofninetysixpanasonhimwhogivesablemisheddamsel
(toasuitor)withoutinforming(himoftheblemish).
225.Butthatmanwho,outofmalice,saysofamaiden,'Sheisnotamaiden,'shallbefinedonehundred
(panas),ifhecannotproveherblemish.
226.Thenuptialtextsareappliedsolelytovirgins,(and)nowhereamongmentofemaleswhohavelost
theirvirginity,forsuch(females)areexcludedfromreligiousceremonies.
227.Thenuptialtextsareacertainproof(thatamaidenhasbeenmadealawful)wifebutthelearned
shouldknowthatthey(andthemarriageceremonyarecompletewiththeseventhstep(ofthebride
aroundthesacredfire).
228.Ifanybodyinthis(world)repentofanycompletedtransaction,(theking)shallkeephimontheroad
ofrectitudeinaccordancewiththerulesgivenabove.
229.Iwillfullydeclareinaccordancewiththetruelaw(therulesconcerning)thedisputes,(arising)from
thetransgressionsofownersofcattleandofherdsmen.
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230.Duringthedaytheresponsibilityforthesafety(ofthecattlerests)ontheherdsman,duringthenight
ontheowner,(providedtheyare)inhishouse(ifitbe)otherwise,theherdsmanwillberesponsible(for
themalsoduringthenight).
231.Ahiredherdsmanwhoispaidwithmilk,maymilkwiththeconsentoftheownerthebest(cow)out
oftensuchshallbehishireifno(other)wages(arepaid).
232.Theherdsmanaloneshallmakegood(thelossofabeast)strayed,destroyedbyworms,killedby
dogsor(byfalling)intoapit,ifhedidnotdulyexerthimself(topreventit).
233.Butfor(ananimal)stolenbythieves,thoughheraisedanalarm,theherdsmanshallnotpay,
providedhegivesnoticetohismasterattheproperplaceandtime.
234.Ifcattledie,lethimcarrytohismastertheirears,skin,tails,bladders,tendons,andtheyellow
concretebile,andlethimpointouttheirparticular.marks.
235.Butifgoatsorsheeparesurroundedbywolvesandtheherdsmandoesnothasten(totheir
assistance),lieshallberesponsibleforany(animal)whichawolfmayattackandkill.
236.Butifthey,keptin(proper)order,grazetogetherintheforest,andawolf,suddenlyjumpingonone
ofthem,killsit,theherdsmanshallbearinthatcasenoresponsibility.
237.Onallsidesofavillageaspace,onehundreddhanusorthreesamyathrows(inbreadth),shallbe
reserved(forpasture),andthrice(thatspace)roundatown.
238.Ifthecattledodamagetounfencedcropsonthat(common),thekingshallinthatcasenotpunish
theherdsmen.
239.(Theownerofthefield)shallmakethereahedgeoverwhichacamelcannotlook,andstopevery
gapthroughwhichadogoraboarcanthrusthishead.
240.(Ifcattledomischief)inanenclosedfieldnearahighwayornearavillage,theherdsmanshallbe
finedonehundred(panas)
(butcattle),unattendedbyaherdsman,(thewatchmaninthefield)shalldriveaway.
241.(Fordamage)inotherfields(eachheadof)cattleshall(payafineofone(pana)andaquarter,andin
all(casesthevalueof)thecrop(destroyed)shallbemadegoodtotheownerofthefieldthatisthe
settledrule.
242.ButManuhasdeclaredthatnofineshallbepaidfor(damagedoneby)acowwithintendaysafter
hercalving,bybullsandbycattlesacredtothegods,whethertheyareattendedbyaherdsmanornot.
243.If(thecropsaredestroyedby)thehusbandman's(own)fault,thefineshallamounttotentimesas
muchas(theking's)sharebutthefine(shallbe)onlyhalfthatamountif(thefaultlay)withtheservants
andthefarmerhadnoknowledgeofit.
244.Totheserulesarighteouskingshallkeepin(allcasesof)transgressionsbymasters,theircattle,and
herdsmen.
245.Ifadisputehasarisenbetweentwovillagesconcerningaboundary,thekingshallsettlethelimitsin
themonthofGyaishtha,whenthelandmarksaremostdistinctlyvisible.
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246.Lethimmarktheboundaries(by)trees,(e.g.)Nyagrodhas,Asvatthas,Kimsukas,cottontrees,
Salas,Palmyrapalms,andtreeswithmilkyjuice,
247.Byclusteringshrubs,bamboosofdifferentkinds,Samis,creepersandraisedmounds,reeds,thickets
ofKubgakathustheboundarywillnotbeforgotten.
248.Tanks,wells,cisterns,andfountainsshouldbebuiltwhereboundariesmeet,aswellastemples,
249.Andashewillseethatthroughmen'signoranceoftheboundariestrespassesconstantlyoccurinthe
world,lethimcausetobemadeotherhiddenmarksforboundaries,
250.Stones,bones,cow'shair,chaff,ashes,potsherds,drycowdung,bricks,cinders,pebbles,andsand,
251.Andwhateverotherthingsofasimilarkindtheearthdoesnotcorrodeevenafteralongtime,those
heshouldcausetobeburiedwhereoneboundaryjoins(theother).
252.Bythesesigns,bylongcontinuedpossession,andbyconstantlyflowingstreamsofwatertheking
shallascertaintheboundary(oftheland)oftwodisputingparties.
253.Iftherebeadoubtevenoninspectionofthemarks,thesettlementofadisputeregardingboundaries
shalldependonwitnesses.
254.Thewitnesses,(givingevidence)regardingaboundary,shallbeexaminedconcerningthelandmarks
inthepresenceofthecrowdofthevillagersandalsoofthetwolitigants.
255.Asthey,beingquestioned,unanimouslydecide,evensoheshallrecordtheboundary(inwriting),
togetherwiththeirnames.
256.Letthem,puttingearthontheirheads,wearingchaplets(ofredflowers)andreddresses,being
sworneachby(therewardsfor)hismeritoriousdeeds,settle(theboundary)inaccordancewiththetruth.
257.Iftheydetermine(theboundary)inthemannerstated,theyareguiltless(being)veraciouswitnesses
butiftheydetermineitunjustly,theyshallbecompelledtopayafineoftwohundred(panas).
258.Onfailureofwitnesses(fromthetwovillages,menof)thefourneighbouringvillages,whoarepure,
shallmake(aswitnesses)adecisionconcerningtheboundaryinthepresenceoftheking.
259.Onfailureofneighbours(whoare)originalinhabitants(ofthecountryandcanbe)witnesseswith
respecttotheboundary,(theking)mayheartheevidenceevenofthefollowinginhabitantsoftheforest.
260.(Viz.)hunters,fowlers,herdsmen,fishermen,rootdiggers,snakecatchers,gleaners,andother
foresters.
261.Asthey,beingexamined,declarethemarksforthemeetingoftheboundaries(tobe),evensothe
kingshalljustlycausethemtobefixedbetweenthetwovillages.
262.Thedecisionconcerningtheboundarymarksoffields,wells,tanks,ofgardensandhousesdepends
upon(theevidenceof)theneighbours.
263.Shouldtheneighboursgivefalseevidence,whenmendisputeaboutaboundarymark,thekingshall
makeeachofthempaythemiddlemostamercementasafine.
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264.Hewhobyintimidationpossesseshimselfofahouse,atank,agarden,orafield,shallbefinedfive
hundred(panas)(ifhetrespassed)throughignorance,thefine(shallbe)twohundred(panas).
265.Iftheboundarycannotbeascertained(byanyevidence),letarighteouskingwith(theintentionof)
benefitingthem(all),himselfassign(his)land(toeach)thatisthesettledrule.
266.Thusthelawfordecidingboundary(disputes)hasbeenfullydeclared,Iwillnextpropoundthe
(mannerof)deciding(casesof)defamation.
267.AKshatriya,havingdefamedaBrahmana,shallbefinedonehundred(panas)aVaisyaone
hundredandfiftyortwohundredaSudrashallsuffercorporalpunishment.
268.ABrahmanashallbefinedfifty(panas)fordefamingaKshatriyain(thecaseof)aVaisyathefine
shallbetwentyfive(panas)in(thecaseof)aSudratwelve.
269.Foroffencesoftwicebornmenagainstthoseofequalcaste(varna,thefineshallbe)alsotwelve
(panas)forspeecheswhichoughtnottobeuttered,that(andeveryfineshallbe)double.
270.Aoncebornman(aSudra),whoinsultsatwicebornmanwithgrossinvective,shallhavehis
tonguecutoutforheisofloworigin.
271.Ifhementionsthenamesandcastes(gati)ofthe(twiceborn)withcontumely,anironnail,ten
fingerslong,shallbethrustredhotintohismouth.
272.IfhearrogantlyteachesBrahmanastheirduty,thekingshallcausehotoiltobepouredintohis
mouthandintohisears.
273.Hewhothrougharrogancemakesfalsestatementsregardingthelearning(ofacastefellow),his
country,hiscaste(gati),ortheritesbywhichhisbodywassanctified,shallbecompelledtopayafineof
twohundred(panas).
274.Hewhoeveninaccordancewiththetruefacts(contemptuously)callsanothermanoneeyed,lame,
orthelike(names),shallbefinedatleastonekarshapana.
275.Hewhodefameshismother,hisfather,hiswife,hisbrother,hisson,orhisteacher,andhewho
givesnotthewaytohispreceptor,shallbecompelledtopayonehundred(panas).
276.(Formutualabuse)byaBrahmanaandaKshatriyaafinemustbeimposedbyadiscerning(king),
ontheBrahmanathelowestamercement,butontheKshatriyathemiddlemost.
277.AVaisyaandaSudramustbepunishedexactlyinthesamemanneraccordingtotheirrespective
castes,butthetongue(oftheSudra)shallnotbecutoutthatisthedecision.
278.Thustherulesforpunishments(applicabletocases)ofdefamationhavebeentrulydeclaredIwill
nextpropoundthedecision(ofcases)ofassault.
279.Withwhateverlimbamanofalowcastedoeshurtto(amanofthethree)highest(castes),eventhat
limbshallbecutoffthatistheteachingofManu.
280.Hewhoraiseshishandorastick,shallhavehishandcutoffhewhoinangerkickswithhisfoot,
shallhavehisfootcutoff.
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281.Alowcastemanwhotriestoplacehimselfonthesameseatwithamanofahighcaste,shallbe
brandedonhishipandbebanished,or(theking)shallcausehisbuttocktobegashed.
282.Ifoutofarrogancehespits(onasuperior),thekingshallcausebothhislipstobecutoffifhe
urines(onhim),thepenisifhebreakswind(againsthim),theanus.
283.Ifhelaysholdofthehair(ofasuperior),letthe(king)unhesitatinglycutoffhishands,likewise(if
hetakeshim)bythefeet,thebeard,theneck,orthescrotum.
284.Hewhobreakstheskin(ofanequal)orfetchesblood(fromhim)shallbefinedonehundred
(panas),hewhocutsamusclesixnishkas,hewhobreaksaboneshallbebanished.
285.Accordingtotheusefulnessoftheseveral(kindsof)treesafinemustbeinflictedforinjuringthem
thatisthesettledrule.
286.Ifablowisstruckagainstmenoranimalsinorderto(givethem)pain,(thejudge)shallinflictafine
inproportiontotheamountofpain(caused).
287.Ifalimbisinjured,awound(iscaused),orblood(flows,theassailant)shallbemadetopay(tothe
sufferer)theexpensesofthecure,orthewhole(boththeusualamercementandtheexpensesofthecure
asa)fine(totheking).
288.Hewhodamagesthegoodsofanother,beitintentionallyorunintentionally,shallgivesatisfaction
tothe(owner)andpaytothekingafineequaltothe(damage).
289.Inthecaseof(damagedoneto)leather,ortoutensilsofleather,ofwood,orofclay,thefine(shall
be)fivetimestheirvaluelikewiseinthecaseof(damageto)flowers,roots,andfruit.
290.Theydeclarewithrespecttoacarriage,itsdriveranditsowner,(thatthereare)tencasesinwhich
nopunishment(fordamagedone)canbeinflictedinothercasesafineisprescribed.
291.Whenthenosestringissnapped,whentheyokeisbroken,whenthecarriageturnssidewaysor
back,whentheaxleorawheelisbroken,
292.Whentheleatherthongs,theropearoundtheneckorthebridlearebroken,andwhen(thedriver)
hasloudlycalledout,'Makeway,'Manuhasdeclared(thatinallthesecases)nopunishment(shallbe
inflicted).
293.Butifthecartturnsoff(theroad)throughthedriver'swantofskill,theownershallbefined,if
damage(isdone),twohundred(panas).
294.Ifthedriverisskilful(butnegligent),healoneshallbefinedifthedriverisunskilful,theoccupants
ofthecarriage(also)shallbeeachfinedonehundred(panas).
295.Butifheisstoppedonhiswaybycattleorby(another)carriage,andhecausesthedeathofany
livingbeing,afineshallwithoutdoubtbeimposed.
296.Ifamaniskilled,hisguiltwillbeatoncethesameas(thatof)athiefforlargeanimalssuchas
cows,elephants,camelsorhorses,halfofthat.
297.Forinjuringsmallcattlethefine(shallbe)twohundred(panas)thefineforbeautifulwild
quadrupedsandbirdsshallamounttofifty(panas).
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298.Fordonkeys,sheep,andgoatsthefineshallbefivemashasbutthepunishmentforkillingadogor
apigshallbeonemasha.
299.Awife,ason,aslave,apupil,anda(younger)brotherofthefullblood,whohavecommittedfaults,
maybebeatenwitharopeorasplitbamboo,
300.Butonthebackpartofthebody(only),neveronanobleparthewhostrikesthemotherwisewill
incurthesameguiltasathief.
301.Thusthewholelawofassault(andhurt)hasbeendeclaredcompletelyIwillnowexplaintherules
forthedecision(incases)oftheft.
302.Letthekingexerthimselftotheutmosttopunishthievesfor,ifhepunishesthieves,hisfamegrows
andhiskingdomprospers.
303.Thatking,indeed,iseverworthyofhonourwhoensuresthesafety(ofhissubjects)forthe
sacrificialsession(sattra,whichhe,asitwere,performsthereby)evergrowsinlength,thesafety(ofhis
subjectsrepresenting)thesacrificialfee.
304.Akingwho(duly)protects(hissubjects)receivesfromeachandallthesixthpartoftheirspiritual
meritifhedoesnotprotectthem,thesixthpartoftheirdemeritalso(willfallonhim).
305.Whatever(meritamangainsby)readingtheVeda,bysacrificing,bycharitablegifts,(orby)
worshipping(Gurusandgods),thekingobtainsasixthpartofthatinconsequenceofhisdulyprotecting
(hiskingdom).
306.Akingwhoprotectsthecreatedbeingsinaccordancewiththesacredlawandsmitesthoseworthy
ofcorporalpunishment,dailyoffers(asitwere)sacrificesatwhichhundredthousands(aregivenas)
fees.
307.Akingwhodoesnotaffordprotection,(yet)takeshisshareinkind,histaxes,tollsandduties,daily
presentsandfines,will(afterdeath)soonsinkintohell.
308.Theydeclarethatakingwhoaffordsnoprotection,(yet)receivesthesixthpartoftheproduce,takes
uponhimselfallthefoulnessofhiswholepeople.
309.Knowthatakingwhoheedsnottherules(ofthelaw),whoisanatheist,andrapacious,whodoes
notprotect(hissubjects,but)devoursthem,willsinklow(afterdeath).
310.Lethimcarefullyrestrainthewickedbythreemethods,byimprisonmentbyputtingtheminfetters,
andbyvarious(kindsof)corporalpunishments.
311.Forbypunishingthewickedandbyfavouringthevirtuous,kingsareconstantlysanctified,justas
twicebornmenbysacrifices.
312.Akingwhodesireshisownwelfaremustalwaysforgivelitigants,infants,agedandsickmen,who
inveighagainsthim.
313.Hewho,beingabusedbymeninpain,pardons(them),willinrewardofthat(act)beexaltedin
heavenbuthewho,(proud)ofhiskinglystate,forgivesthemnot,willforthat(reason)sinkintohell.
314.Athiefshall,running,approachtheking,withflyinghair,confessingthattheft(andsaying),'Thus
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haveIdone,punishme'
315.(Andhemust)carryonhisshoulderapestle,oraclubofKhadirawood,oraspearsharpatboth
ends,oranironstaff.
316.Whetherhebepunishedorpardoned,thethiefisfreedfromthe(guiltof)theftbuttheking,ifhe
punishesnot,takesuponhimselftheguiltofthethief.
317.ThekillerofalearnedBrahmanathrowshisguiltonhimwhoeatshisfood,anadulterouswifeon
her(negligent)husband,a(sinning)pupilorsacrificeron(theirnegligent)teacher(orpriest),athiefon
theking(whopardonshim).
318.Butmenwhohavecommittedcrimesandhavebeenpunishedbytheking,gotoheaven,beingpure
likethosewhoperformedmeritoriousdeeds.
319.Hewhostealstheropeorthewaterpotfromawell,ordamagesahutwherewaterisdistributed,
shallpayonemashaasafineandrestorethe(articleabstractedordamaged)inits(properplace).
320.Onhimwhostealsmorethantenkumbhasofgraincorporalpunishment(shallbeinflicted)inother
casesheshallbefinedeleventimesasmuch,andshallpaytothe(ownerthevalueofhis)property.
321.Soshallcorporalpunishmentbeinflictedforstealingmorethanahundred(palas)ofarticlessoldby
theweight,(i.e.)ofgold,silver,andsoforth,andofmostexcellentclothes.
322.For(stealing)morethanfifty(palas)itisenactedthatthehands(oftheoffender)shallbecutoff
butinothercases,lethiminflictafineofeleventimesthevalue.
323.Forstealingmenofnoblefamilyandespeciallywomenandthemostpreciousgems,(theoffender)
deservescorporal(orcapital)punishment.
324.Forstealinglargeanimals,weapons,ormedicines,letthekingfixapunishment,afterconsidering
thetimeandthepurpose(forwhichtheyweredestined).
325.For(stealing)cowsbelongingtoBrahmanas,piercing(thenostrilsof)abarrencow,andforstealing
(other)cattle(belongingtoBrahmanas,theoffender)shallforthwithlosehalfhisfeet.
326.(Forstealing)thread,cotton,drugscausingfermentation,cowdung,molasses,sourmilk,sweetmilk,
buttermilk,water,orgrass,
327.Vesselsmadeofbambooorothercane,saltofvariouskinds,earthen(vessels),earthandashes,
328.Fish,birds,oil,clarifiedbutter,meat,honey,andotherthingsthatcomefrombeasts,
329.Orotherthingsofasimilarkind,spirituousliquor,boiledrice,andeverykindofcookedfood,the
fine(shallbe)twicethevalue(ofthestolenarticle).
330.Forflowers,greencorn,shrubs,creepers,trees,andotherunhusked(grain)thefine(shallbe)five
krishnalas.
331.Forhuskedgrain,vegetables,roots,andfruitthefine(shallbe)onehundred(panas)ifthereisno
connexion(betweentheownerandthethief),fifty(panas)ifsuchaconnexionexists.
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332.Anoffence(ofthisdescription),whichiscommittedinthepresence(oftheowner)andwith
violence,willberobberyif(itiscommitted)inhisabsence,itwillbetheftlikewiseif(thepossession
of)anythingisdeniedafterithasbeentaken.
333.Onthatmanwhomaysteal(anyof)theabovementionedarticles,whentheyarepreparedfor(use),
letthekinginflictthefirst(orlowest)amercementlikewiseonhimwhomaysteal(asacred)fireoutof
theroom(inwhichitiskept).
334.Withwhateverlimbathiefinanywaycommits(anoffence)againstmen,evenofthat(theking)
shalldeprivehiminordertoprevent(arepetitionofthecrime).
335.Neitherafather,norateacher,norafriend,noramother,norawife,norason,noradomesticpriest
mustbeleftunpunishedbyaking,iftheydonotkeepwithintheirduty.
336.Whereanothercommonmanwouldbefinedonekarshapana,thekingshallbefinedonethousand
thatisthesettledrule.
337.In(acaseof)thefttheguiltofaSudrashallbeeightfold,thatofaVaisyasixteenfold,thatofa
Kshatriyatwoandthirtyfold,
338.ThatofaBrahmanasixtyfourfold,orquiteahundredfold,or(even)twicefourandsixtyfold(each
ofthem)knowingthenatureoftheoffence.
339.(Thetakingof)rootsandoffruitfromtrees,ofwoodfora(sacrificial)fire,andofgrassforfeeding
cows,Manuhasdeclared(tobe)notheft.
340.ABrahmana,seekingtoobtainpropertyfromamanwhotookwhatwasnotgiventohim,eitherby
sacrificingforhimorbyteachinghim,isevenlikeathief.
341.Atwicebornman,whoistravellingandwhoseprovisionsareexhausted,shallnotbefined,ifhe
takestwostalksofsugarcaneortwo(esculent)rootsfromthefieldofanotherman.
342.Hewhotiesupunboundorsetsfreetiedup(cattleofothermen),hewhotakesaslave,ahorse,ora
carriagewillhaveincurredtheguiltofathief.
343.Akingwhopunishesthievesaccordingtotheserules,willgainfameinthisworldandafterdeath
unsurpassablebliss.
344.AkingwhodesirestogainthethroneofIndraandimperishableeternalfame,shallnot,evenfora
moment,neglect(topunish)themanwhocommitsviolence.
345.Hewhocommitsviolencemustbeconsideredastheworstoffender,(morewicked)thanadefamer,
thanathief,andthanhewhoinjures(another)withastaff.
346.Butthatkingwhopardonstheperpetratorofviolencequicklyperishesandincurshatred.
347.Neitherforfriendship'ssake,norforthesakeofgreatlucre,mustakingletgoperpetratorsof
violence,whocauseterrortoallcreatures.
348.Twicebornmenmaytakeuparmswhen(theyare)hindered(inthefulfilmentoftheirduties,when
destruction(threatens)thetwiceborncastes(varna)in(evil)times,
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349.Intheirowndefence,inastrifeforthefeesofofficiatingpriests,andinordertoprotectwomenand
Brahmanashewho(undersuchcircumstances)killsinthecauseofright,commitsnosin.
350.Onemayslaywithouthesitationanassassinwhoapproaches(withmurderousintent),whether(he
beone's)teacher,achildoranagedman,oraBrahmanadeeplyversedintheVedas.
351.Bykillinganassassintheslayerincursnoguilt,whether(hedoesit)publiclyorsecretlyinthatcase
furyrecoilsuponfury.
352.Menwhocommitadulterywiththewivesofothers,thekingshallcausetobemarkedby
punishmentswhichcauseterror,andafterwardsbanish.
353.Forby(adultery)iscausedamixtureofthecastes(varna)amongmenthence(follows)sin,which
cutsupeventherootsandcausesthedestructionofeverything.
354.Amanformerlyaccusedof(such)offences,whosecretlyconverseswithanotherman'swife,shall
paythefirst(orlowest)amercement.
355.Butaman,notbeforeaccused,who(thus)speakswith(awoman)forsome(reasonable)cause,shall
notincuranyguilt,sinceinhimthereisnotransgression.
356.HewhoaddressesthewifeofanothermanataTirtha,outsidethevillage,inaforest,oratthe
confluenceofrivers,suffer(thepunishmentfor)adulterousacts(samgrahana).
357.Offeringpresents(toawoman),romping(withher),touchingherornamentsanddress,sittingwith
heronabed,all(theseacts)areconsideredadulterousacts(samgrahana).
358.Ifonetouchesawomaninaplace(whichought)not(tobetouched)orallows(oneselftobe
touchedinsuchaspot),all(suchactsdone)withmutualconsentaredeclared(tobe)adulterous
(samgrahana).
359.AmanwhoisnotaBrahmanaoughttosufferdeathforadultery(samgrahana)forthewivesofall
thefourcastesevenmustalwaysbecarefullyguarded.
360.Mendicants,bards,menwhohaveperformedtheinitiatoryceremonyofaVedicsacrifice,and
artisansarenotprohibitedfromspeakingtomarriedwomen.
361.Letnomanconversewiththewivesofothersafterhehasbeenforbidden(todoso)buthewho
converses(withthem),inspiteofaprohibition,shallbefinedonesuvarna.
362.Thisruledoesnotapplytothewivesofactorsandsingers,nor(of)thosewholiveon(theintrigues
of)theirown(wives)forsuchmensendtheirwives(toothers)or,concealingthemselves,allowthemto
holdcriminalintercourse.
363.Yethewhosecretlyconverseswithsuchwomen,orwithfemaleslaveskeptbyone(master),and
withfemaleascetics,shallbecompelledtopayasmallfine.
364.Hewhoviolatesanunwillingmaidenshallinstantlysuffercorporalpunishmentbutamanwho
enjoysawillingmaidenshallnotsuffercorporalpunishment,if(hiscastebe)thesame(ashers).
365.Fromamaidenwhomakesadvancestoa(manof)high(caste),heshallnottakeanyfinebuther,
whocourtsa(manof)low(caste),lethimforcetoliveconfinedinherhouse.
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366.A(manof)low(caste)whomakeslovetoamaiden(of)thehighest(caste)shallsuffercorporal
punishmenthewhoaddressesamaiden(on)equal(caste)shallpaythenuptialfee,ifherfatherdesires
it.
367.Butifanymanthroughinsolenceforciblycontaminatesamaiden,twoofhisfingersshallbe
instantlycutoff,andheshallpayafineofsixhundred(panas).
368.Aman(of)equal(caste)whodefilesawillingmaidenshallnotsuffertheamputationofhisfingers,
butshallpayafineoftwohundred(panas)inordertodeterhimfromarepetition(oftheoffence).
369.Adamselwhopollutes(another)damselmustbefinedtwohundred(panas),paythedoubleofher
(nuptial)fee,andreceiveten(lasheswitha)rod.
370.Butawomanwhopollutesadamselshallinstantlyhave(herhead)shavedortwofingerscutoff,
andbemadetoride(throughthetown)onadonkey.
371.Ifawife,proudofthegreatnessofherrelativesor(herown)excellence,violatesthedutywhichshe
owestoherlord,thekingshallcausehertobedevouredbydogsinaplacefrequentedbymany.
372.Lethimcausethemaleoffendertobeburntonaredhotironbedtheyshallputlogsunderit,(until)
thesinnerisburned(todeath).
373.Onaman(once)convicted,whois(again)accusedwithinayear,adoublefine(mustbeinflicted)
eventhus(mustthefinebedoubled)for(repeated)intercoursewithaVratyaandaKandali.
374.ASudrawhohasintercoursewithawomanofatwiceborncaste(varna),guardedorunguarded,
(shallbepunishedinthefollowingmanner):ifshewasunguarded,helosesthepart(offending)andall
hispropertyifshewasguarded,everything(evenhislife).
375.(ForintercoursewithaguardedBrahmanaaVaisyashallforfeitallhispropertyafterimprisonment
forayearaKshatriyashallbefinedonethousand(panas)andbeshavedwiththeurine(ofanass).
376.IfaVaisyaoraKshatriyahasconnexionwithanunguardedBrahmana,lethimfinetheVaisyafive
hundred(panas)andtheKshatriyaonethousand.
377.Buteventhesetwo,iftheyoffendwithaBrahmani(notonly)guarded(butthewifeofaneminent
man),shallbepunishedlikeaSudraorbeburntinafireofdrygrass.
378.ABrahmanawhocarnallyknowsaguardedBrahmaniagainstherwill,shallbefinedonethousand
(panas)butheshallbemadetopayfivehundred,ifhehadconnexionwithawillingone.
379.Tonsure(ofthehead)isordainedforaBrahmana(insteadof)capitalpunishmentbut(menof)other
castesshallsuffercapitalpunishment.
380.LethimneverslayaBrahmana,thoughhehavecommittedall(possible)crimeslethimbanishsuch
an(offender),leavingallhisproperty(tohim)and(hisbody)unhurt.
381.NogreatercrimeisknownonearththanslayingaBrahmanaaking,therefore,mustnoteven
conceiveinhismindthethoughtofkillingaBrahmana.
382.IfaVaisyaapproachesaguardedfemaleoftheKshatriyacaste,oraKshatriyaa(guarded)Vaisya
woman,theybothdeservethesamepunishmentasinthecaseofanunguardedBrahmanafemale.
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383.ABrahmanashallbecompelledtopayafineofonethousand(panas)ifhehasintercoursewith
guarded(femalesof)thosetwo(castes)for(offendingwith)a(guarded)Sudrafemaleafineofone
thousand(panasshallbeinflicted)onaKshatriyaoraVaisya.
384.For(intercoursewith)anunguardedKshatriyaafineoffivehundred(panasshallfall)onaVaisya
but(forthesameoffence)aKshatriyashallbeshavedwiththeurine(ofadonkey)or(pay)thesamefine.
385.ABrahmanawhoapproachesunguardedfemales(ofthe)KshatriyaorVaisya(castes),oraSudra
female,shallbefinedfivehundred(panas)but(forintercoursewith)afemale(ofthe)lowest(castes),
onethousand.
386.Thatkinginwhosetownlivesnothief,noadulterer,nodefamer,nomanguiltyofviolence,andno
committerofassaults,attainstheworldofSakra(Indra).
387.Thesuppressionofthosefiveinhisdominionssecurestoakingparamountsovereigntyamonghis
peersandfameintheworld.
388.Asacrificerwhoforsakesanofficiatingpriest,andanofficiatingpriestwhoforsakesasacrificer,
(eachbeing)abletoperformhisworkandnotcontaminated(bygrievouscrimes),musteachbefinedone
hundred(panas).
389.Neitheramother,norafather,norawife,norasonshallbecastoffhewhocaststhemoff,unless
guiltyofacrimecausinglossofcaste,shallbefinedsixhundred(panas).
390.Iftwicebornmendisputeamongeachotherconcerningthedutyoftheorders,akingwhodesires
hisownwelfareshouldnot(hastily)decide(whatis)thelaw.
391.Havingshownthemduehonor,heshould,with(theassistanceof)Brahmanas,firstsoothethemby
gentle(speech)andafterwardsteachthemtheirduty.
392.ABrahmanawhodoesnotinvitehisnextneighbourandhisneighbournextbutone,(though)both
(he)worthy(ofthehonour),toafestivalatwhichtwentyBrahmanasareentertained,isliabletoafineof
onemasha.
393.ASrotriyawhodoesnotentertainavirtuousSrotriyaatauspiciousfestiverites,shallbemadetopay
himtwice(thevalueof)themealandamashaofgold(asafinetotheking).
394.Ablindman,anidiot,(acripple)whomoveswiththehelpofaboard,amanfullseventyyearsold,
andhewhoconfersbenefitsonSrotriyas,shallnotbecompelledbyany(king)topayatax.
395.LetthekingalwaystreatkindlyaSrotriya,asickordistressedman,aninfantandanagedor
indigentman,amanofhighbirth,andanhonourableman(Arya).
396.Awashermanshallwash(theclothesofhisemployers)gentlyonasmoothboardofSalmaliwood
heshallnotreturntheclothes(ofoneperson)forthose(ofanother),norallowanybody(buttheowner)
towearthem.
397.Aweaver(whohasreceived)tenpalas(ofthread),shallreturn(clothweighing)onepalamorehe
whoactsdifferentlyshallbecompelledtopayafineoftwelve(panas).
398.Letthekingtakeonetwentiethofthat(amount)whichmen,wellacquaintedwiththesettlementof
tollsandduties(and)skilfulin(estimatingthevalueof)allkindsofmerchandise,mayfixasthevalue
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foreachsaleablecommodity.
399.Letthekingconfiscatethewholepropertyof(atrader)whooutofgreedexportsgoodsofwhichthe
kinghasamonopolyor(theexportofwhichis)forbidden.
400.Hewhoavoidsacustomhouse(oratoll),hewhobuysorsellsatanimpropertime,orhewho
makesafalsestatementinenumerating(hisgoods),shallbefinedeighttimes(theamountofduty)which
hetriedtoevade.
401.Let(theking)fix(theratesfor)thepurchaseandsaleofallmarketablegoods,having(duly)
consideredwhencetheycome,whithertheygo,howlongtheyhavebeenkept,the(probable)profitand
the(probable)outlay.
402.Onceinfivenights,oratthecloseofeachfortnight,letthekingpubliclysettlethepricesforthe
(merchants).
403.Allweightsandmeasuresmustbedulymarked,andonceinsixmonthslethimreexaminethem.
404.Ataferryan(empty)cartshallbemadetopayonepana,aman's(load)halfapana,ananimalanda
womanonequarterofa(pana),anunloadedmanonehalfofaquarter.
405.Carts(laden)withvesselsfull(ofmerchandise)shallbemadetopaytollataferryaccordingtothe
value(ofthegoods),emptyvesselsandmenwithoutluggagesometrifle.
406.Foralongpassagetheboathiremustbeproportionedtotheplacesandtimesknowthatthis(rule
refers)to(passagesalong)thebanksofriversatseathereisnosettled(freight).
407.Butawomanwhohasbeenpregnanttwomonthsormore,anascetic,ahermitintheforest,and
BrahmanaswhoarestudentsoftheVeda,shallnotbemadetopaytollataferry.
408.Whatevermaybedamagedinaboatbythefaultoftheboatmen,thatshallbemadegoodbythe
boatmencollectively,(eachpaying)hisshare.
409.Thisdecisioninsuits(brought)bypassengers(holdsgoodonly)incasetheboatmenareculpably
negligentonthewaterinthecaseof(anaccident)causedby(thewillof)thegods,nofinecanbe
(inflictedonthem).
410.(Theking)shouldorderaVaisyatotrade,tolendmoney,tocultivatetheland,ortotendcattle,and
aSudratoservethetwiceborncastes
411.(Somewealthy)BrahmanashallcompassionatelysupportbothaKshatriyaandaVaisya,iftheyare
distressedforalivelihood,employingthemonwork(whichissuitablefor)their(castes).
412.ButaBrahmanawho,becauseheispowerful,outofgreedmakesinitiated(menofthe)twiceborn
(castes)againsttheirwilldotheworkofslaves,shallbefinedbythekingsixhundred(panas).
413.ButaSudra,whetherboughtorunbought,hemaycompeltodoservileworkforhewascreatedby
theSelfexistent(Svayambhu)tobetheslaveofaBrahmana.
414.ASudra,thoughemancipatedbyhismaster,isnotreleasedfromservitudesincethatisinnatein
him,whocansethimfreefromit?
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415.Thereareslavesofsevenkinds,(viz.)hewhoismadeacaptiveunderastandard,hewhoservesfor
hisdailyfood,hewhoisborninthehouse,hewhoisboughtandhewhoisgiven,hewhoisinherited
fromancestors,andhewhoisenslavedbywayofpunishment.
416.Awife,ason,andaslave,thesethreearedeclaredtohavenopropertythewealthwhichtheyearn
is(acquired)forhimtowhomtheybelong.
417.ABrahmanamayconfidentlyseizethegoodsof(his)Sudra(slave)for,asthat(slave)canhaveno
property,hismastermaytakehispossessions.
418.(Theking)shouldcarefullycompelVaisyasandSudratoperformthework(prescribed)forthem
forifthesetwo(castes)swervedfromtheirduties,theywouldthrowthis(whole)worldintoconfusion.
419.Lethimdailylookafterthecompletionofhisundertakings,hisbeastsofburden,andcarriages,(the
collectionof)hisrevenuesandthedisbursements,hisminesandhistreasury.
420.Akingwhothusbringstoaconclusion.allthelegalbusinessenumeratedabove,andremovesall
sin,reachesthehigheststate(ofbliss).

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