UPSC CSE Pre 1995

Medieval Legal Literature

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Who among the following were famous jurists of medieval India? 1. Vigyanesvara 2. Hemadri 3. Rajashekhara 4. Jimutavahana

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Legal traditions in medieval India were shaped by commentators on the Smritis, who established regional laws governing inheritance, marriage, and judicial procedure.

Explanation Vigyanesvara (Mitakshara), Jimutavahana (Dayabhaga), and Hemadri (Chaturvargachintamani) are well-documented as legal authorities. Rajashekhara was a poet and dramatist.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Vigyanesvara authored the Mitakshara, the leading authority on Hindu law for most of India.
Logic 2: Jimutavahana authored the Dayabhaga, which was the prevailing legal authority in Bengal.
Logic 3: Hemadri was a versatile minister and jurist under the Yadavas, famous for his legal and architectural contributions.
Logic 4: Rajashekhara was a court poet of the Gurjara-Pratiharas, known for literary works like Kavyamimansa, not law.

Active Recall

Question

What is the primary difference between Mitakshara and Dayabhaga?

Answer

Mitakshara grants sons a birthright in ancestral property, whereas Dayabhaga grants ownership only after the father's death.

Core Insight

These medieval jurists provided the legal framework that continued to influence personal laws in India until the modern era.