New Delhi: Delhi University (DU) has removed Manusmriti from the third-semester curriculum of its postgraduate MA Sanskrit programme and replaced it with Shukraniti, an ancient treatise on governance and statecraft. The decision, taken by Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh under emergency powers, will be placed before the Executive Council later this month for ratification.
Protests Trigger Curriculum Change
- The move follows weeks of protests by opposition parties and civil society groups, who strongly objected to Manusmriti being part of the syllabus.
- Faculty members maintained that only “non-controversial” sections of Manusmriti were being taught.
- However, continuous social media backlash compelled the university to make the change.
- A teacher explained, “We were not teaching anything divisive, but repeated hounding left us with no choice.”
What Students Will Study Under Shukraniti
With Shukraniti replacing Manusmriti, the course will now focus on:
- Management of state resources
- Ethical governance and nationhood
- Military strategy and fortification techniques
- Ancient Indian models of administration
Unlike Manusmriti, which emphasises religious duties, rituals, and social obligations, Shukraniti—ascribed to Shukracharya, guru of the Asuras—provides practical guidance on politics, defence, and governance.
Chapters Removed from Manusmriti
The following units will no longer be taught in DU’s MA Sanskrit syllabus:
- Chapter 2: Dharma and Sanskars (rituals and duties)
- Chapter 6: Vanaprastha Ashram (forest-dwelling stage of life)
- Chapters 7 & 9 (Shlokas 1–102): Duties of a king and types of sons
- Chapter 12: Prāyaścitta (atonement and penance)
These deletions eliminate sections tied to rites, dharma, forest life, royal obligations, social classification, and penance.
Balancing Politics and Scholarship
Observers say the change reflects both political sensitivity and academic adjustment.
- The revision shields DU from an ongoing cultural row.
- At the same time, it keeps governance-related studies relevant to students of Sanskrit.
All eyes are now on the upcoming Executive Council meeting, which will decide if the substitution stands. The outcome could also influence whether other universities make similar changes in their Sanskrit programmes.
Click Here for More Latest News