Is Manu the author of Manusmriti

Tradition holds that manu is the author manusmriti. There is no proof for the same. In fact there is every reason to believe it is handiwork of someone with hidden agenda. The said smriti is sanctified in the name of manu and indirectly discredits manu by name association.

The first chapter first 2 verses of the smriti is given below,

1. The great sages approached Manu, who was seated with a collected mind, and, having duly worshipped him, spoke as follows:
2.  'Deign, divine one, to declare to us precisely and in due order the sacred laws of each of the (four chief) castes (varna) and of the intermediate ones

The narrative is certainly in third person.

Similarly the chapter V verse,

1. The sages, having heard the duties of a Snataka thus declared, spoke to great souled Bhrigu, who sprang from fire:

Again third person but this verse is attributed to Bhrigu.

What is the motive of attributing the work to Manu?

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