Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c9.2.2

c9.2.2

The Dharma Sûtras of Gautama, Baudhâyana, Āpastamba and Vasiṣṭha are not identical in every precept. A Kalpa Sûtra should include Śrauta, Gṛihya and Dharma Sûtras, but soon they all become independent. Their fundamental object, however, was the same—the regulation of human life. The Śrauta Sûtras lay down the intricate details of Vedic sacrifices and ceremonies on the authority of the Brâhmaṇas. They are merely systems of Vedic ritual, but they were of the highest importance to the true Ārya. The Gṛihya Sûtras cover the whole field of home life and treat exhaustively of the ritual which played an important part in it. Their scope, however, seldom extends beyond the household and they are of little use to the student of Governmental theory. The Dharma Sûtras treat of private and associated life together. They mention domestic ritual and stress its importance, but they pass on quickly to speak of social custom, law and government. Sûtras in general, fall between the seventh and second centuries before Christ but the dates of the Dharma Sûtras cannot be precisely determined. Bühler placed them between the sixth and third centuries B.C. and arrived at a chronological order—Gautama, Baudhāyana, Vasiṣṭha and Āpastamba. Jolly assigns the sixth or fifth century B.C. to Gautama and Baudhāyana and the fifth or fourth century to Vasiṣṭha and Āpastamba.