Correct Option
The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Manusmriti, a foundational Dharmashastra text, codifies social laws and duties, including the legitimate means of acquiring property and wealth. It draws a clear distinction between the modes of acquisition lawful for men and those lawful for women, reflecting the gendered nature of property rights in the post-Vedic social order.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: According to the Manusmriti (Chapter X, Verse 115), there are seven lawful modes of acquiring wealth for men. These are inheritance, finding (recovery of lost property or treasure), purchase, conquest, investment, work (labor), and acceptance of gifts from good people.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The text does not leave women's wealth undefined. It explicitly lists six means of acquiring wealth for women, often categorized as Stridhana. These include gifts received before the nuptial fire, gifts received during the bridal procession, tokens of love, and gifts received from the brother, mother, or father.
- Statement 3 is Correct: As part of the seven lawful modes for men mentioned in Statement 1, "Finding" and "Conquest" (victory) are explicitly recognized as legitimate means for a man to acquire wealth.
Key Takeaway: The Manusmriti defines gender-specific property rights: men have seven lawful means of acquiring wealth (including conquest and inheritance), while women have six specific means, primarily centered around gifts and Stridhana.