The Manusmriti, or the Laws of Manu, is one of the most influential legal and social texts of ancient India. Composed in Sanskrit, it outlines the duties (dharma) of different social classes (varnas) and stages of life. It covers a vast range of topics, including civil and criminal law, marriage, inheritance, and diet. While it reflects the highly stratified nature of ancient Indian society and has been criticized for its views on gender and caste, it was a foundational text for Hindu law for nearly two millennia. It emphasizes the importance of social order and the role of the king as the upholder of justice. When the British began to codify Indian law in the 18th century, they initially turned to the Laws of Manu as the primary source for understanding Hindu legal traditions.