The Manusmriti as a Source of Political Philosophy and Legal Culture in India

B a c k g r ou nd . The article examines the significance of the Manusmriti in the context of modern political and social discourse. The article rationale is underpinned by intense coexistence of traditional Hindu ideas about the social order and modern constitutional principles of equality, secularism and human rights. Met hod s. The study is based on an interdisciplinary approach that combines historical-legal, textual, comparative, and general scientific methods. This allows for a comprehensive analysis of the development of Indian legal thought within its historical, religious, and political contexts, taking into account both normative sources and political rhetoric. Re su lt s . The study is novel in that it combines historical and legal analysis of the Manusmriti with the political philosophy of modern India, focusing on the narrative of authorities and its symbolic sources. It is the first systematic study in the Ukrainian scientific context on how the image of the ruler as a "servant of the Dharma" (and its transformation into a concept pradhan sevak) fits into the democratic discourse. The article also analyses the use of ancient Indian legal heritage in the political legitimation of modern decisions, while pointing out the critical narrative of caste and gender inequality that is formed in response. C onc lu si on s . The conclusions emphasize the dual status of the Manusmriti: on the one hand, as a source of historical legal tradition and, on the other – as a text that is criticized for gender and caste discrimination. The article proves that despite the official distancing from the ancient legal codes, the cultural influence of the Manusmriti continues to shape political rhetoric and social perceptions in India of the XXI century.