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.
Chapter 11 - Devalasmriti in the Modern Age
6 (of 9)
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& their solutions, can be of much help, as they always serve as
examples in concrete. Thus from the historical standpoint, the
significance of the present text, as an ancient historical treatise,
that tried to solve the socio-religious problems, for the sake
of betterment, stability & well-being of Hindu society, cannot
be undermined. For example, the problem of readmittance of Hindus,
converted to Islam has been specially & effectively brought out &
considered by Devala. His procedure & device provide at least
guidelines & are worth, being employed in the case of those, who
wish to adopt Hindu fold, in the latest socio-religious upheavals
& onslaught.
Moreover, the Dharmasastra works are the treasurehouse
4 of our knowledge of various aspects of human life & society. They
can reflect much upon our ancient society, religion, philosophy,
law, politics, history, geography, psychology etc. "Institutions
are now viewed as growths, which suggest lines of evolution"
Hence the history of any of the above fields cannot be complete
& exhaustive, unless the information, available in those treatises
is collected, referred to & scrutinized. The present ancient
text of Devala is replete with all such information & hence deserves
great historical significance. Prof.Max Muller once remarked that,
"People that could feel no pride in the past, in its history.....
had lost the mainstay of its national character".
5 UNCHANGING IS MORE SIGNIFICANT :
The changing aspect, treated in the treatise can thus be
important from the historical point of view. However, the unchang-
