Yajnavalkya stands as one of history's earliest recorded philosophers, flourishing in Vedic India. He was celebrated for his profound understanding of Vedic rituals and his unparalleled skill in theological discourse. His teachings explored the nature of the universal Self through the doctrine of 'neti neti,' signifying 'neither this, nor that.' These philosophical insights and his legacy are preserved in foundational texts, notably the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, where he is a pivotal figure.
This work addresses the need for a comprehensive translation of the jurisprudential rules found in the Dharma ástra of Yájnavalkya. The undertaking was motivated by a recognized demand for clarity in these legal principles, supported by a significant number of local subscribers with relevant expertise and experience, affirming the project's relevance and necessity.
A Treatise on Dharma, written in the fourth or fifth century, illuminates major innovations in religious, civil, and criminal law, and informed Indian life for a thousand years. This new critical edition, presented alongside the Sanskrit original in the Devanagari script, opens the classical age of ancient Indian law to modern readers.