IO. No man can completely guard women by force; but they can be guardedby the employment of the ( following) expedients
Ah yes, more restricting rules for women. Code #13 does seem reasonable and it explains why women can't act irrational. However, the rest of the codes that follow BELOW seem like women are deemed as children and irresponsible.
Where the female relations Jive in grief, the family soon wholly perishes;obut that family where they are not unhappy ever prospers.
This reminds me of when one has unfortunate events, then it follows to those who are close. Like a domino effect.
castes
If I remember correctly, "Castes" is a term related to the class system. Similiarily to the class system that Medieval Europe had, especially old England with the surfs and high nobles.
The Laws of Manu (c. 100 e.c.e.-200 c.e.)
"The Laws of Manu" certainly NOT similar to the "Code of Hammurabi" since the Laws of Manu focuses more so on women.
guarded against evil inclinations
Perhaps certain practiced rituals protects women against evil incantations.
Women must be honoured and adorned
This a strong law to start with, especially with women being unvalued compared to other code of laws like the Code of Hammurabi. Analyzing from this
13.oDrinking (spirituous liquor), associating with wicked people, separationofrom the husband, rambling abroad, sleeping (at unseasonable hours), and dwelling in other men's houses, are the six causes of the ruin of women
This code of law seems familiar because this is how Hispanic and Asian families depict a "ruined" woman. My mother would very much agree. Ha!
aAkshamala, a woman of the lowest birth, being united to Vasishtha andaSarangi (being united) to Mandapala, became worthy ofhonour.2
From this law code, it seems they value their women. Despite of the woman's low status on the caste they still seem to be valued with their gods.
3. Her father protects (her) in childhood, her husband protects (her) in youth,oand her sons protect (her) in old age; a woman is never fit for independence.
"A woman is never fit for independence"??? I understand that in the beginning where a girl needs her father's protection, but later on when the husband and son MUST protect because women can't rely on theirselves??