Question

The Mitakshara School of Hindu Law is based on a commentary on which ancient text?

• A. Manu Smriti
• B. Yajnavalkya Smriti
• C. Narada Smriti
• D. Arthashastra

Hint:

Major Schools of Hindu Law:

• Mitakshara --- Commentary on Yajnavalkya Smriti.

• Dayabhaga --- Written by Jimutavahana.
Mitakshara applies across most parts of India, whereas Dayabhaga historically dominated Bengal and Assam.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Classical Hindu Law developed through authoritative texts known as Smritis and the commentaries written on them. Two major schools emerged: Mitakshara and Dayabhaga.

Step 1: Identify the author of Mitakshara. The Mitakshara commentary was written by Vijnaneshwara in the 11th century.

Step 2: Determine the source text. The commentary was based upon the

Yajnavalkya Smriti, one of the most influential legal texts of ancient Hindu jurisprudence.

Step 3: Understand its significance. The Mitakshara School became the dominant school of Hindu Law throughout most of India and heavily influenced rules relating to:

• Coparcenary.

• Joint family property.

• Succession and inheritance.
Hence, the source text underlying the Mitakshara School is the Yajnavalkya Smriti. Therefore, Option (B) is correct.