The 9th-century commentator Medhātithi explains that these individuals are banished to prevent them from spreading vice and to maintain social order.
Chapter 9 of the Manusmriti is dedicated to the rules and regulations governing the behavior of women, particularly in the context of marriage, family, and social life. This chapter is often referred to as the "Strī-dharma" or the duties of women. The verses in this chapter outline the expectations and responsibilities of women in ancient Indian society, including their role in maintaining family harmony, performing rituals, and adhering to social norms.
– Before arranging a daughter’s marriage, the father should himself be learned ( śrotriya ) and virtuous. He sets an example.
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The original Sanskrit text and its transliteration are as follows:
Verse 225 highlights a proactive approach to governance. Rather than waiting for these individuals to commit capital crimes, the text advises ( pravasayet ) as a preventative measure. By physically removing these elements from the city limits, the king purifies the civic space and prevents the corruption of honest citizens. Historical and Social Context
This verse appears in the section of Chapter 9 dealing with (specifically the suppression of public nuisances). The verses in this chapter outline the expectations
Exile of merchants to eliminate intoxication-fueled crime at the source.
Individuals with a history of violence or those who take pleasure in causing harm to others.
The verse illustrates an ancient approach to social engineering and crime prevention, where proactive removal of potential troublemakers was favored over addressing the consequences of their actions. It underlines the importance placed on societal stability and conformity to the established legal and religious framework. If you're interested, I can also: This public link is valid for 7 days
It is crucial to distinguish between (what Manu says should happen) and descriptive reality (what actually happened in history).
Kautilya’s statecraft classic features a near-identical systemic logic under the chapter Kaṇṭakaśodhana (The Removal of Thorns). Both texts agree that while open thieves can be caught by guards, the "thorns" of a city—gamblers, unregulated vintners, and deceptive actors—must be closely monitored, licensed, or banished to keep the urban ecosystem stable. Comparative Legal Analysis: Ancient vs. Modern Principles
The king is mandated to act as the guardian of Dharma . Allowing these individuals to reside within the city is seen as a failure of administration that could lead to the degradation of the law-abiding citizens.
The denial of autonomy has been linked to internalized subservience and domestic vulnerability.