[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India)](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930) › v7.c83.39 # History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v7.c83.39 History of Dharmaśāstra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v7.c83.39 - **Language:** English ### [v7.c83.39](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930.v7.c83.39) Vital changes may be introduced in the habits of the people by \*pariṣads\* or assemblies of the learned. When such assemblies cannot be constituted even the decision of one learned in \*dharma\* will be authoritative. The Āpastamba Dharmasūtra says \*dharmajña-samayaḥ pramāṇam\*.³ People who are learned and compassionate, who are practical-minded can decide the issues of right and wrong. They are the conscience of the community. What we are doing by legislative enactments is consistent with our tradition. - [Previous: v7.c83.38](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930.v7.c83.38) - [Next: v7.c83.40](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930.v7.c83.40) - [Up: v7.c83](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930.v7.c83) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930.v7.c83.39](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.kane-1930.v7.c83.39) · Pramāṇa