· Agrawala, Vasudeva, S., India as Described by Manu, Prthvi Prakasha, Varanasi, 1970.
This book uses the classic work of Manava Dharma Shastra to make conclusions and observations about the life and society of classical India. It seems important to remember here that the Shastras taught what should be and do not necessarily reflect the actual living conditions of ancient India.
· Kane, Pandurang, Vamam, History of Dharmashastra, 4 Vol. Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Poona 1953.
This is a massive collection on Dharmashastra. It contains materials on the law codes from the Vedic period and beyond. Volume one is primarily historical focusing upon the Vedic period through medieval times. Volume two contains assorted materials concerning dharma, varna, samskaras, Vedic Initiation, ashramas, and much more. Volume four contains material on death rituals, pilgrimages, purification after birth, etc. These texts are an excellent source on the Vedic origins of ritual and social practices. This text is often cited by other scholars
· Manu, The Laws of Manu: With an Introduction and Notes, Translation by Wendy Doniger and Brian Smith, Penguin, New York, 1991.
This is a translation of the classic work on Hindu law and dharma translated by the preeminent scholars Doniger and Smith. There is a useful 78 page introduction which places the work in a historical context considering its placement not only in Brahmanical tradition, but also western scholarship. There is a useful bibliography relevant to further study on the work and dharma in general.