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Podcast: New Books in South Asian Studies
Episode: Christopher T. Fleming, "Equity and Trusts in Sanskrit Jurisprudence" (British Academy, 2025)
Description: This monograph outlines the core principles of equity and trusts in Sanskrit jurisprudence (DharmaÅÄstra) and traces their application in the practical legal administration of religious and charitable endowments throughout Indian history. DharmaÅÄstra describes phenomena that, in Anglo-American jurisprudence, are associated with courts of equity: the management of religious and charitable trusts; and the guardianship of those who lack legal capacity. Drawing on Sanskrit jurisprudential and philosophical texts, ancient inscriptions, Persian legal documents, colonial-era law reports, and contemporary case law, Equity and Trusts in Sanskrit Jurisprudence demonstrates that India's rulers have drawn on rich and venerable Sanskrit jurisprudential princi...