The Laws of Manu (also called the Manava Dharma Shastra) is traditionally accepted as one of the supplementary arms of the Vedas. It is one of the standard books in the Hindu canon and a basic text upon which teachers base their teachings. This 'revealed scripture' comprises 2684 verses, divided into twelve chapters presenting the norms of domestic, social, and religious life in India (circa 500 BC) under the Brahmin influence, and it is fundamental to the understanding of ancient Indian society.