Why were dancers ( kuśīlavān ) grouped with "cruel men"? In ancient legal contexts, itinerant performers were often viewed with suspicion because they were mobile, difficult to tax, and sometimes associated with the "frivolous" side of life that distracted people from their duties ( dharma ).
"Gamblers, dancers, cruel men, men belonging to heretical sects, men addicted to evil deeds, dealers in wine,—these the King shall instantly banish from his town." Wisdom Library Key Groups Subject to Banishment According to the Manusmriti with Medhātithi's commentary , the verse targets specific "anti-social" elements: Kitavān (Gamblers): manusmriti chapter 9 verse 225
In the 21st century, this verse is frequently cited by critics of the Manusmriti as "proof" that Hinduism sanctions the sale of women. Social reformers like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar—who publicly burned the Manusmriti in 1927—pointed to verses like 9.225 as emblematic of a system that treated women as property. Why were dancers ( kuśīlavān ) grouped with "cruel men"
(Manu 9.225) is a foundational verse within the Dharma Shastras that outlines the King's duty to maintain public order by purging society of specific "undesirables". Found in the section of the Laws of Manu dedicated to civil and criminal administration, this verse focuses on the immediate banishment of individuals whose presence is considered a corrupting influence on the town or kingdom. Sanskrit Text and Translation The verse in its original Sanskrit is: Wisdomlib Social reformers like Dr
, provide specific context for the groups mentioned for banishment: Gamblers (
However, I could not verify the accuracy of Manusmriti chapter 9 verse 225. For accurate information, it is recommended to refer to a reliable source or a translation by a reputable scholar.
The verse targets specific groups that were believed to cause instability or moral decay within a city. Commentators like Medhātithi