Delhi University replaces Manusmriti with Shukraniti in Sanskrit syllabus

Delhi University has dropped Manusmriti from the postgraduate MA Sanskrit syllabus and introduced Shukraniti, an ancient treatise on governance, in its place.

The change was cleared by Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh under his emergency powers and will go before the Executive Council for ratification later this month.

The revision follows weeks of protests by opposition parties and civil groups on social media, who strongly objected to the inclusion of Manusmriti.

Faculty members said the focus had been on non-controversial sections, but the uproar made continuation impossible.

"We were not teaching anything divisive. But repeated hounding on social media prompted us to make the changes," one teacher said.

With Shukraniti added, students will now study ancient perspectives on statecraft, ethics, administration, military strategy, and resource management.

The text, attributed to Shukracharya, guru of the Asuras in Hindu tradition, is regarded for its practical insights into defense and politics.

As a result, several portions of Manusmriti will no longer be part of the course, including chapters on dharma and rituals, the vanaprastha stage of life, duties of a king, classification of sons, and atonement practices.

University officials said the switch allows continued study of governance within the Sanskrit curriculum while reducing exposure to divisive debates.

Observers note the decision is as much political as academic, aimed at balancing scholarship with sensitivities in a polarized climate.

The Executive Council’s upcoming meeting will decide whether the change stands permanently and whether it sets a precedent for other universities.