officially Manava-dharma-shastra
Most authoritative of the books of the Hindu law code ( Dharma-shastra ).
It is attributed to the legendary first man and lawgiver, Manu . In its present form it dates from the 1st century BC. It prescribes the dharma of each Hindu, stating the obligations attached to his or her social class and stage of life. Making no distinction between religious and secular law, it deals with cosmogony, sacraments , and other religious topics as well as with marriage, hospitality, dietary restrictions, the conduct of women, and the law of kings.