All the Hindu text other than Vedas and Agama (Sruthi) comes under Smriti. This include Purana, Itihasa, Vedangas, various Sutras and Smriti (like Manusmriti) literature. The class of literature with suffix as Smriti (like Manusmriti) describe Dharmic code to be followed in personal life and social life. The strict sense of Smriti apply to these texts alone. Smrities are not an independent view of any particular Sage; they are rather view of Vedas interpreted by Rishis as law. The division of Sruthi and Smriti reveal the fact that Sruthi alone is the revealed Texts. Smriti depend on Sruthi and can be changed in a limited manner in the true spirit of Sruthi but not amendable to fit to any occasion. Smriti normally fills the gap or whatever not clearly said in Sruti for daily practice of religion. The Smritis aim at outlining and giving a picture of how to live life in a way to fulfill the purpose of life, thus make life meaningful and regulate life closest to natural laws as seen in the Veda.

There are around 50 texts (eg: Manusmriti) with the name smriti as suffix. These Smriti texts are in verses that one can understand very easily and are a detailed account of the subject they are dealing with. Smriti elaborate the dharmic instruction with regards to the rites and convention to be followed. There are rituals to be conducted from the time of conception of the child and until to the death. The smriti also lay down the daily routine to be followed by all of us. Smriti in short tell us about ones duty in detail, the do’s and don’ts, and how the rites are to be performed. Eighteen Smrities are said as most important. All the Smriti do not talk about all the customary duties and rites; also some of the Smrities differ from the other. In the case of controversy the case is easily settled by following the practices of one’s region and tradition of his forefathers.