[1] Law during the classical period was theologically based on the dharmasastra, and dharma which was traditionally delineated by "learned people" or scholars of the Vedas.
[2] However, in reality, classical Hindu law was diverse in practice, varying between locations, vocational groups, and castes.
If one could not find a particular idea in the Vedas, the Dharmasutras instructed him or her to consult the next source of authority: smṛti followed then by ācāra and in some cases ātmatuṣṭi.
[7] Originally transmitted to ancient Rishis by way of cosmic vibration, the texts are considered the highest form of revelation.
[14] Along with this shift away from laws directly resulting from the Vedas came the normalization of leaders whose actions are considered ācāra yet are not Vedic scholars.
[20] Evidence of judicial procedure in ancient India was mostly derived from classical Hindu law and religious texts like the Vedas.
Ordeals, the divine methods of proof and oaths for simple cases were used to help in the decision-making process, while ultimately basing the decision on different texts like Manu, Yājñavalkya, Dharmaśāstras, Sastras and dharma.