DU withdraws proposed Manusmriti from Sanskrit course
July 20, 2025
  • Read Ecopy
  • Circulation
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
Organiser
  • ‌
  • Bharat
    • Assam
    • Bihar
    • Chhattisgarh
    • Jharkhand
    • Maharashtra
    • View All States
  • World
    • Asia
    • Europe
    • North America
    • South America
    • Africa
    • Australia
    • Global Commons
  • Editorial
  • International
  • Opinion
  • Op Sindoor
  • More
    • Analysis
    • Sports
    • Defence
    • RSS in News
    • Politics
    • Business
    • Economy
    • Culture
    • Special Report
    • Sci & Tech
    • Entertainment
    • G20
    • Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
    • Vocal4Local
    • Web Stories
    • Education
    • Employment
    • Books
    • Interviews
    • Travel
    • Law
    • Health
    • Obituary
    • Podcast
MAGAZINE
  • ‌
  • Bharat
    • Assam
    • Bihar
    • Chhattisgarh
    • Jharkhand
    • Maharashtra
    • View All States
  • World
    • Asia
    • Europe
    • North America
    • South America
    • Africa
    • Australia
    • Global Commons
  • Editorial
  • International
  • Opinion
  • Op Sindoor
  • More
    • Analysis
    • Sports
    • Defence
    • RSS in News
    • Politics
    • Business
    • Economy
    • Culture
    • Special Report
    • Sci & Tech
    • Entertainment
    • G20
    • Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
    • Vocal4Local
    • Web Stories
    • Education
    • Employment
    • Books
    • Interviews
    • Travel
    • Law
    • Health
    • Obituary
    • Podcast
Organiser
  • Home
  • Bharat
  • World
  • Operation Sindoor
  • Editorial
  • Analysis
  • Opinion
  • Culture
  • Defence
  • International Edition
  • RSS in News
  • Magazine
  • Read Ecopy
Home Bharat

Delhi University withdraws proposed Manusmriti from Sanskrit course; Students raised concerns over caste discrimination

Delhi University has withdrawn the proposed inclusion of Manusmriti from its new Sanskrit course following public backlash. The university confirmed via an official tweet that the course mentioning the text as recommended reading has been deleted

by WEB DESK
Jun 14, 2025, 10:00 am IST
in Bharat, Delhi, Education
Delhi University withdraws proposed Manusmriti from Sanskrit course

Delhi University withdraws proposed Manusmriti from Sanskrit course

FacebookTwitterWhatsAppTelegramEmail

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).

Read More: Karnataka: Muslim trader Naufal Mohammed defrauds over 50 Areca Nut farmers of Rs 10 crore, absconds with family

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.

Topics: Delhi UniversityManusmritiSanskrit course
ShareTweetSendShareSend
✮ Subscribe Organiser YouTube Channel. ✮
✮ Join Organiser's WhatsApp channel for Nationalist views beyond the news. ✮
Previous News

A Tragic Plane Crash in India: A moment of deep mourning and warning

Next News

Bihar: Prayer ceremony held at Mahabodhi temple Gaya to honour memory of Ahmedabad plane crash victims

Related News

A book ‘Vikas Gatha’ based on the history of Rashtra Sevika Samiti Delhi and the annual magazine Medhavini released on the occasion of Sankalp Diwas

Sankalp Diwas: Only a woman can bring positive change & give direction to society: Shanta Akka of Rashtra Sevika Samiti

ABVP stages protest against emergency

ABVP recalls the dark chapter of 1975 Emergency, takes out massive protest and burns effigy at Delhi University

Representative image

From Vedas to Virtual: DU introduces ‘Computer Applications for Sanskrit’ to merge ancient language with modern tech

Visual from Kartavyam Lecture Series

Kartavavyam: Not just rights but duties; DU’s law faculty celebrates 75 years of Indian constitution in unique way

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar

If you hesitate to speak right thing at right time, to right group & right person, you’ll weaken yourself: VP Dhankhar

Rudrabhishek at Shivoham 2025

Shivoham 2025: A 24-hour celebration of awakening, devotion and cultural grandeur

Load More

Comments

The comments posted here/below/in the given space are not on behalf of Organiser. The person posting the comment will be in sole ownership of its responsibility. According to the central government's IT rules, obscene or offensive statement made against a person, religion, community or nation is a punishable offense, and legal action would be taken against people who indulge in such activities.

Latest News

West Bengal: Malati Murmu builds mud school Ayodhya hills to educate forgotten tribal children

Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishhaq Dar

Pakistan defends terror group TRF in parliament even after US declares it global terrorist outfit

Islamists advancing blueprint of turning Bangladesh into a ‘Hindu-free’ country

Protests in North Waziristan, Pakistan

Growing tribal anger in Waziristan, Mohmand over Pakistan’s failed military solutions

Telangana: Secunderabad to Handle 1,200 Trains a Day: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

Islamic Terrorist Group

Niger: Islamic terror attack claims lives of two Indians, one abducted

EU Envoy to India clarifies Russia sanctions, assures no disruption to global supply or purchases

India reshapes global order amid NATO threats and Oil deals

16 Padma Shri Awardees who are transforming tribal lives at grassroots — Know all about them

A representative image

Bhopal under shadow of crime: Drug rackets exploit youth while illegal immigrants forge identities

  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Cookie Policy
  • Refund and Cancellation
  • Delivery and Shipping

© Bharat Prakashan (Delhi) Limited.
Tech-enabled by Ananthapuri Technologies

  • Home
  • Search Organiser
  • Bharat
    • Assam
    • Bihar
    • Chhattisgarh
    • Jharkhand
    • Maharashtra
    • View All States
  • World
    • Asia
    • Africa
    • North America
    • South America
    • Europe
    • Australia
    • Global Commons
  • Editorial
  • Operation Sindoor
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Defence
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Business
  • RSS in News
  • Entertainment
  • More ..
    • Sci & Tech
    • Vocal4Local
    • Special Report
    • Education
    • Employment
    • Books
    • Interviews
    • Travel
    • Health
    • Politics
    • Law
    • Economy
    • Obituary
    • Podcast
  • Subscribe Magazine
  • Read Ecopy
  • Advertise
  • Circulation
  • Careers
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Policies & Terms
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Refund and Cancellation
    • Terms of Use

© Bharat Prakashan (Delhi) Limited.
Tech-enabled by Ananthapuri Technologies