In a sudden reversal, Delhi University (DU) has officially announced that Manusmriti will not be taught in any of its courses. The announcement was made on the university’s official Twitter handle on June 12, 2025, stating that the course titled Dharmashastra Studies, offered under the Sanskrit Department, which had listed Manusmriti as “recommended reading,” has now been removed.
https://twitter.com/UnivofDelhi/status/1933066180425920627 )
This decision comes just days after reports said that Delhi University was planning to include Manusmriti which is an old and often debated Hindu text, as an important part of a new Sanskrit course. The course was meant to study ancient Indian society, including topics like the varna system (social order), moral duties, and traditional practices such as yajna (sacrifices) and daana (charity).
The university earlier said that it will launch a new Sanskrit course called Dharmashastra Studies, which aims to teach students about ancient Indian laws, social structures, and ethics through primary Sanskrit texts. These included Apastamba Dharmasutra, Yajnavalkya Smriti, Kautilya Arthashastra, and notably, Manusmriti. The course was designed to carry four credits and was open to undergraduate students with knowledge of Sanskrit.
The initial plan had stirred controversy because Manusmriti has long been criticised for its content on caste hierarchy and gender roles. Critics questioned the university’s decision, especially after DU Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh had rejected a similar proposal in July 2024, citing public concern. At the time, the administration had assured that such proposals would not be considered in the future.
The reappearance of Manusmriti, even under a different department, was seen by many as an indirect attempt to bring back the text through the academic backdoor. Scholars who were defending the inclusion had argued that ancient texts should be studied as historical documents and not judged solely by today’s standards. However, others felt that recommending Manusmriti without critical commentary might promote outdated and discriminatory beliefs in today’s time.
The course had sparked mixed reactions among students. While some viewed it as a chance to explore India’s intellectual and cultural roots, others feared that controversial elements in the text might influence young minds and revive regressive thinking under the guise of tradition.
The public backlash gained momentum, particularly on social media, where students, activists, and scholars expressed concern over the political and ideological implications of including Manusmriti in a mainstream curriculum.
Official Statement Ends Debate
In response to the growing criticism, the University of Delhi clarified its position on June 12 via X (formally Twitter):
“University of Delhi will not teach Manusmriti text in any course of the University. ‘Dharmashastra Studies’, the DSC of the Sanskrit Department, where Manusmriti is mentioned as a ‘recommended reading’ stands deleted.”
With this official statement, the university has put an end to the debate at least for now. The withdrawal suggests that DU is responding to concerns about social sensitivity, academic balance, and the need for inclusive education. As India continues to balance its rich ancient heritage with the demands of a modern, progressive education system, universities will play a crucial role in shaping how that knowledge is taught and what is left out.
