The Positive Background of Hindu Sociology c10.s13.1

c10.s13.1

At the outset it is proper to introduce a formal distinction¹⁷ between the *Dharma Sūtras* and the *Dharma Śāstras* (also called *Smritis*). The *Sūtras* are in prose (or in mixed prose and verse), the latter in verse. The topics are not arranged in an orderly manner in the *Sūtras* while the *Śāstras* (*Smritis*) are particular in observing the threefold grouping of topics, namely, *āchāra*, (customs), *vyavahāra* (law) and *prāyaśchitta* (penance). The *Sūtras* are older than the *Śāstras*.