Manu is considered the lawgiver of Aryan Brahmanism. In fact, the very first chapter, which is a creation account, of the Manusmriti pronounces the creation and division of castes ( varna . The castes are said to proceed from the very body of God. for the sake of the prosperity of the worlds he caused the Brahmana, the Kshatriya, the Vaisya, and the Sudra to proceed from his mouth, his arms, his thighs, and his feet. (1:31) The duties ( Varna dharma ) of the four castes were prescribed by Manu with a theological rationale: 87. But in order to protect this universe He, the most resplendent one, assigned separate (duties and) occupations to those who sprang from his mouth, arms, thighs, and feet. 88. To Brahmanas he assigned teaching and studying (the Veda), sacrificing for their own benefit and for others, giving and accepting (of alms). 89. The Kshatriya he commanded to protect the people, to bestow gifts, to offer sacrifices, to study (the Veda), and to abstain from attaching him...
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