Naradasmriti

Naradasmriti is juridical in nature. It is the only text of Dharma sastra that does not cover areas like righteous conduct and penance. As the text is very focussed it has been highly valued by rulers and their governments.

At present there exist three versions of Naradasmriti. There is the "minor" or "Vulgate" text that consists of 879 verses. Then is the recension that consists of 550 verses. The third version comes from the Newari manuscript that contains 870 verses. Each of them is unique and content as well.

It is believed that the Naradasmriti represents the ninth chapter, regarding legal procedure of original text of Manu. In this he has been portrayed as a professor of Law and politics. Some historians argue that it was not composed by a single author. It is believed that it was composed between 100 BC and 400 CE.

The structure is based on the eighteen titles of law which is mentioned in Manu smriti. The text starts with a brief introduction into law and the courts before delving into these 18 titles. It is evident from the text that the author was appealing to a community of practitioners. He wanted to apply the law in daily affairs.

It is divided in the following manner:
Matrka
Vyavaharah
Bhasa
Sabha

Vyavaharapada (18 Titles of Law)
Rnadana
Niksepa
Sambhuyasamutthana
Dattapradanika
Abhyupetyasusrusa
Vetanasyanapakarma
Asvamivikraya
Vikriyasampradana
Kritanusaya
Samayasyanapakarma
Ksetrajavivada
Stripumsayoga
Dayabhaga
Sahasa
Vakparusya
Dandaparusya
Dyutasamahvaya
Prakirnaka

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