In contrast, India's laws were decided by the upper ruling class, but most were decided based on their religion. However, religion was biased towards those in the upper and ruling class. Although each caste had its own dharma, some could descend to the lower classes if they were unable to earn a living in their own caste, but they had to return as soon as possible. According to their religion, if they followed their dharma well, they could go to heaven and reincarnate into a higher caste in the next life. If they did not do so, they would go to hell and be transferred to a lower caste or even a life form in their next life (Law of Manu, 143). However, in both societies, women had virtually no power. While they were treated relatively well in Mesopotamia when it came to laws, Indian laws were not as lenient. The comparably just and equitable laws of Mesopotamia may have come from one of their legends, The Epic of Gilgamesh. In the story, Gilgamesh is a violent king, but after going through difficult times and a life-changing journey, he was advised to become a just ruler and not abuse his power (The Epic of Gilgamesh , 13). The code of Hammurabi follows in that as king he is "the king of justice and [leads] his people with

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