Medhātithi’s Grammatical Notes on the Mānavadharmaśāstra: How Technicalities Can Shed Light on Ancient Indian Law

Giudice Alessandro;Tiziana Pontillo

2025-01-01

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Abstract

This volume examines Medhātithi’s systematic use of grammatical sources in his Manubhāṣya on the Mānavadharmaśāstra, showing how Vyākaraṇa serves as a key hermeneutical tool for interpreting juridical language. By analysing all passages that quote or refer to grammatical authorities, the book highlights the role of linguistic technicalities in clarifying legal meaning and sheds new light on the interaction between grammar and law in classical India.