Raghunandana, a prominent figure in Bengal during the 16th century, played a significant role in shaping the Hindu way of life in Bengal, particularly in matters of conduct (achara) and social dealings (vyavahara). His influence emanated from his deep engagement with the smrtis, dharma-shastras, and nibandhas, which collectively formed the foundation of Hindu civil law.
Born into a Vandyaghatiya Brahmana family in Bengal,
Raghunandana was the son of Harihara Bhattacharya, and he received his
education under the guidance of Shrinatha Acharya Chudamani. According to
Bengali tradition, he was believed to be a co-pupil of Shri Krishna Caitanya
under Vasudeva Sarvabhauma, although this claim lacks confirmation from other
sources.
Raghunandana's magnum opus, the "Smrtitattva,"
stands as a comprehensive nibandha work, divided into 28 sections or tattvas,
covering various aspects of dharmashastras. This encyclopedic composition,
printed in A.D. 1895 in two volumes with 1630 pages in the Jivananda edition,
reflects the depth of his scholarship.
Among the tattvas explored in the "Smrtitattva"
are Tithitattva, Shuddhitattva, Ahnikatattva, Shraddhatattva,
Prayashcittatattva, Samskaratattva, Dayatattva, Vyavaharatattva,
Devapratisthatattva, and more. Raghunandana's views on the treatment of shudras
demonstrate a liberal perspective, granting them considerable freedom in
religious matters.
One of Raghunandana's notable strengths was his adept
application of Mimamsa philosophy and nyayas (maxims) in his discussions,
showcasing his mastery of these intricate subjects. Furthermore, he became an
authority on the dayabhaga system, a specific method of property division
prevalent in Bengal.
Even today, Raghunandana's insights on Hindu civil law, his
liberal stance on social matters, and his expertise in Mimamsa philosophy
continue to be respected, particularly in the region of Bengal, where his
legacy endures as the last great writer on the dharmashastras from the 16th
century.