The word "Hindu" is a much-abused word in the sense that it has been used to mean different things at different times. For example, some people even now, at least some times, use the word "Hindu" as a synonym for "Indian." There are many Indians such as Muslims, Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians as well as rationalists, humanists and atheists who do not call themselves "Hindu" and also do not like to be described as such. There are, in fact, many Indians who are not Hindus, and on the other hand, there are many Hindus who are not Indians, for example, those who are citizens of Nepal, Sri Lanka and some other countries.
In the most restricted sense, Hindu is the adherent of Vedic or Brahmin religion however, in the broader sense, the word "Hindu" is often used to include Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs. Hindu law is used not only for those who are Hindu by religion but also for persons who are Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs. If we consistently use the word "Hindu" in this sense, we will have to say that Japan is a Hindu country! Manusmriti In the very first chapter of Manusmriti, it is clearly stated that Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras were created by Brahma (creator of this world) from his mouth, hands, thighs and feet respectively. Manu claims that the same Brahma, who created this world, also created Manusmriti and taught it to him. The duties of the different varnas are also mentioned in the Manusmriti. The Brahmins were created for teaching, studying, performing yajnas (ceremonial sacrifices), giving and accepting dan (gifts). The Kshatriyas for protecting the citizens (chiefly Brahmins!), giving gifts, getting yajnas performed and studying (non religious). The Vaishyas for protecting animals, giving gifts, getting yajnas performed, studying, trading, lending money on interest and doing agricultural work. Finally, the Shudras were created by Brahma for serving Brahmins and the other two varnas without being critical of any of them (deemed as their 'karma'). It is interesting to note that studying, getting yajnas performed and giving gifts or charity are common duties of Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vaishyas; whereas teaching, accepting gifts and performing yajnas are reserved exclusively for Brahmins. The Shudras, of course, are denied the rights to study, getting yajnas performed by Brahmins or even giving gifts to them. Manusmriti further states that having originated from the mouth of Brahma, and being the elder and the repository of the Vedas; Brahmins are the masters of the entire universe. Besides, Brahmins alone act as a sort of post office for transmitting food to the gods and the dead, that is to say, the gods and the dead eat food through the mouths of Brahmins (apparently because they do not have mouths of their own). Therefore, no one can be superior to Brahmins. All others are said to enjoy everything owing to the Brahmins' mercy. The Manusmriti clearly states that Brahmins alone are entitled to teach this dharmashastra and none else. http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/ramendra_nath/hindu.html Maurice D'Mello
