Question

Which of the following is literal meaning of the word 'Smritis'?

• A. It enounces rule of Dharma
• B. Recollection
• C. Critical commentary and digest
• D. Decalogue

Hint:

Smritis are often considered 'human-authored' or 'remembered' texts, which gives them a secondary status compared to the divinely revealed Shrutis, yet they were primary for legal codes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Read the question.
What is the literal meaning of the word Smritis?

Step 2: Recall the two sources.
In ancient Indian legal texts, there are Shrutis and Smritis.

Step 3: Break down the roots.
Shruti comes from shru, meaning to hear. Smriti comes from smri, meaning to remember. So Smriti literally means that which is remembered, or recollection.

Step 4: Eliminate the others.
Enouncing the rule of Dharma, critical commentary and digest, and decalogue describe roles or other texts, not the literal meaning of Smriti.

Step 5: Conclude.
The literal meaning of Smritis is recollection.

Answer: Recollection