Not only the condition of literature and development of thought called forth a readjustment of dharma, but new social problems were coming forth which were making such a task peremptory. New races and tribes were coming into contact with the standard population of Madhyadesha; the proper relation to be maintained toward them was to be treated by a work on dharma. Customs like Niyoga, or the appointment of widows, which were once valid, were falling into disrepute; new institutions were rising ; economic conditions were becoming more complex; the ideas regarding purity and pollution were becoming more and more extravagant. All these facts were excuse and motive for a new work.
The motives of the author.—The motives with which the writer of our text appears to have been affected are mainly (1) a respect for tradition, which included Vedas, smritis, and other sacred or semisacred literature; and (2) à sense of inadequacy of the injunctions of the past; and (3) a desire for a more systematic arrangement, with some principles or philosophy in view.
But these were not the only motives which influenced our writer. The book of this author, as well as those of all other writers of dharma, were influenced by the inherent weakness of the politics of the country. The country was divided into numerous tribes, nations, or states; it was only when a powerful monarch would rise that a large part of the country would come under one head. Under these conditions, a positive law which would be obeyed by all people could not have been thought of. The thankless task of guiding the people and of preventing them from doing wrong fell, to a large extent, on spiritual authority, as the political authority was unfit for their share of the burden. More
