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Dharmasastra
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Dharmasastra is a Sanskrit word, refers, Sastra. The Dharmasastra is also a branch of learning of dharma, religion and the way of life. As per the Hindu Law the human life is divided into four aspects. 1. Dharma, 2. Artha, 3. Kama and 4. Moksa. Accordingly there are four sastras created 1. Dharmasastra, 2. Arthasastra, 3. Kamasastra and 4. Moksasastra.
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The structure, basic values and harmony in Dharmasastra primary is to preserve the world order. The Dharmasastras are composed by various authors. The one that are followed and most respected are those written by Manu and Yajnavalkya.
Traditionally, Dharmasastras are divided into three topics – 1. Aacara, these are rules of daily life, rituals and other duties, 2. Vyavahara, these are rules that resolve the questions on dharma and rules of Hindu Law categorized under
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eighteen heads and 3. Prayascitta these are rules about experiments and penances for violations of the rules of dharma.
Thus taking a general view, Dharmasastra speaks about Rajadharma, i.e. the law of the society and the rites and duties of a human.
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