A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.493

c5.493

The inspired lawgivers are spoken of as being eighteen in number, but the names of forty-two old authorities are mentioned. Manu and Yājñawalkya stand apart by themselves at the head of these writers. After them the eighteen other inspired sages are recognised as the great authorities on law, and the works ascribed to them are still extant, either wholly or partially, or in an abridged form:—(1.) Atri; (2.) Vishnu; (3.) Hārīta; (4.) Usanas; (5.) Angiras; (6.) Yama; (7.) Āpastamba; (8.) Samvarta; (9.) Kātyāyana; (10.) Brihaspati; (11.) Parāsara; (12.) Vyāsa; (13, 14.) Sankha and Likhita, whose joint treatise is frequently quoted; (15.) Daksha; (16.) Gotama; (17.) Sātātapa; (18.) Vasistha. But there are others who are more frequently cited than many of these, as Nārada, Bhrigu, Marīchi, Kasyapa, Viswamitra, and Baudhāyana. Other names that are met with are Pulastya, Gārgya, Paithīnasi, Sumantu, Lokākshi, Kuthumi, and Dhaumya. The writings of some of these lawgivers have appeared in different forms, and are referred to with the descriptive epithets of Vriddha, ‘old;’ Brihat, ‘great;’ and Laghu, ‘light or small.’