Date of Award

2008

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Law (SJD)

Department

Law

First Advisor

Sompong Sucharitkul

Second Advisor

Christian Okeke

Third Advisor

Vichai Ariyanuntaka

Abstract

The current legal-historical majority view regarding the Law Code of Manu (Manusmriti) of Ancient India is that it was probably formulated by one man about 2100 years ago (100 BC) and its influence remained confined mostly to India and some parts of Southeast Asia; this view has not yet been revised, in spite of relatively recent scientific and archaeological research findings that appear to shed light upon a possible rethinking of this view. This dissertation explores a new theory that a possible ancient version of the Law Code of Manu (Manusmriti) was formulated and revised by more than one person, or many people over several thousand years, up to 5000 years ago (from about 3000 to 500 BC) and its influence possibly spread outside of India to Egypt, Mesopotamia and Sumaria. This theory will be examined in light of the history and archaeology of Ancient India, including the relationship of the Law Code of Manu (Manusmriti) to the Rig Veda, and the possible relationship to the Indus/Harappan Civilization and its trading partners, as well as other ancient legal codes.

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