Manu and the Mahābhārata (original) (raw)

The paper discusses the historical context and interpretations of the Mānava Dharmaśāstra, as attributed to Manu, considering its origins and dating in relation to the Mahābhārata. It examines Olivelle's insights on the timeline, suggesting a composition period between the 1st century BCE and the 2nd-3rd centuries CE, while addressing scholarly debates surrounding the implications of textual relationships and nuanced interpretations of dharma. Furthermore, the paper highlights the influence of Buddhist and Jain concepts in Manu's writings, particularly in the context of ascetic practices, demonstrating that Manu sought to position Brahmanical asceticism favorably in comparison.