Manav Nyaya Shastra

The Manava Nyaya Shastra, also known as Nyayavikashini, is a Newar-language commentery on the Naradasmriti and the first codified law of Nepal, written in the 14th century. It was authored by Manikya, and written by Luntabhadra Bajracharya under the commission of King Jayasthiti Malla. Along with Gopal Raj Vamshavali, the Manava Nyaya Shastra is considered one of the most important works in Classical Newar language.

History

The Manava Nyaya Shastra was written by translating the Naradasmriti, which Jayasthiti Malla had commissioned to be translated into Classical Newar language. A scholar named Manikya translated the Naradasmriti and authored a commentary on it in Newar language in 1380 CE. The manuscript was written by the scribe Luntabhadra Bajracharya of Kirtipunya Mahavihara, for Jayant Varman, a minister of Jayasthiti.
Later, during King Jayasthiti Malla's reign, his rule, was based on the principles of this text. It become one of the major source of rendering justice during the medieval period. Following the popularity of Newar translation, numerous copies of the Nyayavikashini were written. Many Newar manuscripts of the Manava Nyaya Shastra are today found in the National Archives of Nepal, the Asa archives and the Cambridge University Library.

The Manava Nyaya Shastra contains the following eighteen tittle of laws: