Hindu law
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Hindu law, also known as Dharma-shastra, is an ancient Indian body of jurisprudence that forms the basis of family law for Hindus. It originated with the Vedas and indigenous customs over 3,000 years ago. Dharma-shastra literature, written in Sanskrit, covers right conduct and legal principles, though its direct administration historically fell to local councils.12
Modern Hindu law has been shaped by legislative acts like the Hindu Marriage Act (1955) and others in 1956, which have modernized aspects like divorce and succession. While historically based on tradition and custom, legislative changes have unified and adapted these laws to contemporary needs. The Smriti literature, which includes lawbooks like the Manu-smriti, is considered less authoritative than the Vedic Shruti but is more familiar to modern Hindus.2134
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- family lawMarriage as a transfer of dependence
…traditional Chinese marriage, in the Hindu marriage based on the joint family, in rabbinical law, in Islamic law, and in Germanic and Celtic customary law. The Germanic traditions were imported into England, where they combined with Norman concepts to become the basis of the English common law of marriage. The…
Read More…traditional Chinese marriage, in the Hindu marriage based on the joint family, in rabbinical law, in Islamic law, and in Germanic and Celtic customary law. The Germanic traditions were imported into England, where they combined with Norman concepts to become the basis of the English common law of marriage. The…
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Formerly, a Hindu marriage was indissoluble except by caste custom; remarriage, for instance, might be tolerated only for women of lower-ranking castes.
Read MoreFormerly, a Hindu marriage was indissoluble except by caste custom; remarriage, for instance, might be tolerated only for women of lower-ranking castes.
Read More