Divergent Interpretations in the Dharmaśāstra: The Case of Gautamadharmasūtra 13.12-13

There are instances in the Dharmaśāstra where medieval commentators, as well as contemporary scholars, propose different interpretations of certain passages in the root-texts (Dharmasūtras and Dharmaśāstras or Smṛtis). A notable example is Gautamadharmasūtra 13.12–13, where the term śapatha has been interpreted in various ways. The two main commentators on the text, Maskarin and Haradatta, offer differing explanations, as do modern scholars. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the interpretations proposed for these two sūtras and to suggest textual parallels that may help to identify the most accurate reading.