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Essay name: Devala-smriti (critical study)

Author: Mukund Lalji Wadekar
Affiliation: Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda / Department of Sanskrit Pali and Prakrit

This essay represents an English study of the Devala-smriti—an ancient text attributed to sage Devala classified as belonging to the Dharma-Shastra branch of Indian literature which encompasses jurisprudence and religious law. This study deals with the reconstructed text of the Devala-smriti based on surviving references, emphasizing Devala’s unique viewpoints on social, religious, and philosophical aspects, particularly the Sankhya and Yoga philosophies.

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3 (of 10)


External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)


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Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)


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in other Smrtis, such as acÄra, vyavahÄra and prayascitta and their various sub-divisions. Though Devala deals with these subjects, similar to those found in other Smrtis, he has many a distinct and novel view, about various Smrti-topics which display his origina- lity & accord him an independent and prominent status as a Smrtikara (law-giver). 5) HIGH WEIGHTAGE GIVEN TO DEVALA BY EMINENT MODERN SCHOLARS : The importance & value of the numerous & varied quotations of Devala, have been well-understood and recognized by eminent modern scholars, in the field of Dharmasastra. To illustratively indicate, the reputed scholars like Mn. P.V.Kane, Dr.K.P.Jayaswal 5 Dr. Bhabatosh Bhattacharya 6 etc. have emphasized the importance and necessity of reconstructing the lost text of Devala. It is surprising and noteworthy that the work of reconstruc- tion of such an invaluable text of Devala, in its entirety, has remained a dream, in spite of the fact that hundreds of quotations, ascribed to Devala, are available, as pointed out earlier. (6) RECONSTRUCTED TEXT, COUPLED WITH ITS CRITICAL STUDY : Not only the reconstruction, but the critical study thereof also is felt quite necessary. It will not only threw light upon 4. History of Dharma.-Vol. I, Part I, p.284 & Vol. I, Part II, p.723. 5. Manu and Yajnavalkya, p.300, note 2. 1 6. Studies in Dharmasastra, p.10.

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