Structure of Smriti Literature
Manusmriti
200 BCE - 200 CE
The most influential law code of ancient India, containing 2,684 verses covering social order, duties of different castes, governance, and personal conduct.
Yajnavalkya Smriti
100-300 CE
A concise and systematic law code with 1,010 verses, organized into three sections: Achara (conduct), Vyavahara (legal procedure), and Prayaschitta (expiation).
Narada Smriti
100-400 CE
Focuses primarily on juridical matters and legal procedures, providing detailed guidelines for courts, evidence, and various types of disputes.
Dharmasutras
600-200 BCE
Early prose texts by Apastamba, Gautama, Baudhayana, and Vasishtha, forming the foundation of dharma literature and Hindu law.
Mahabharata
400 BCE - 400 CE
The world's longest epic with over 100,000 verses, containing the Bhagavad Gita and extensive discussions on dharma, ethics, and statecraft.
Ramayana
500 BCE - 100 CE
The epic of Rama with 24,000 verses, exemplifying ideal conduct, devotion, and dharma through the life and adventures of Prince Rama.