Sanidhana

Sanidhana is a traditional Indian system of legal reasoning and jurisprudence that originated in ancient India. The term *sanidhana* translates to "foundation" or "principle," reflecting its role in establishing the basis for legal interpretation and decision-making. Rooted in Hindu legal texts, particularly the *Dharmashastras* such as Manu Smriti, Yajnavalkya Smriti, and Narada Smriti, it serves as a framework for understanding moral, ethical, and legal obligations within society.

The concept of sanidhana emphasizes the importance of dharma (duty, righteousness) as the cornerstone of law. It suggests that legal principles should align with natural order, social harmony, and moral values rather than being rigidly codified. Judges and legal scholars in ancient India often relied on sanidhana to resolve disputes by applying flexible, context-sensitive reasoning rather than strict legal precedents.

Sanidhana also incorporates the idea of *prakriti* (nature) and *purusha* (individual), suggesting that laws should account for both universal principles and individual circumstances. This approach allows for adaptability in legal judgments, ensuring fairness in diverse social contexts.

While sanidhana was primarily a theoretical framework in ancient legal systems, its principles influenced later legal traditions in South Asia. Modern scholars and legal theorists sometimes reference it as an example of a holistic, ethical approach to jurisprudence, contrasting with more formalistic legal systems. Its emphasis on dharma and moral reasoning continues to be studied in the context of comparative law and cultural legal history.