Introduction to the Mahabharata
The Mahabharata is one of the two great epics of ancient India, traditionally attributed to the sage Vyasa. Composed in Sanskrit, it is the longest epic poem in the world, consisting of over 100,000 verses across 18 parvas (books). More than just a tale of war, the Mahabharata is a vast philosophical and cultural text that explores dharma (righteousness), power, morality, family, and fate.
At its core, the Mahabharata narrates the conflict between two royal lineages—the Pandavas and the Kauravas—culminating in the devastating Kurukshetra war. Yet beyond the battlefield, it examines the complexities of human nature, ethical dilemmas, and the consequences of choices. It also includes the Bhagavad Gita, a spiritual dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna, which has become one of the most influential texts on duty, devotion, and inner wisdom.
The Mahabharata continues to shape Indian thought, politics, and culture, offering timeless insights into leadership, justice, and the human condition.
Note on Shanti Parva – The Book of Peace
The Shanti Parva is the twelfth book of the Mahabharata, and it takes place immediately after the catastrophic Kurukshetra war. Following the annihilation of most of the Kaurava and Pandava warriors, the victorious Yudhishthira is grief-stricken and reluctant to assume the throne. To convince him to rule, the dying Bhishma—lying on a bed of arrows—delivers a profound discourse on dharma, rajadharma (duty of kings), ethics, and governance.
This parva is a philosophical and political treatise, where themes of duty, justice, leadership, peace, and renunciation are deeply explored. It includes:
- Rajadharma: Guidelines for righteous kingship—emphasizing justice, self-restraint, and welfare of the people.
- Apaddharma: Ethics during crises—acknowledging that dharma may be flexible under extreme circumstances.
- Mokshadharma: Teachings on renunciation, liberation, and the spiritual path—highlighting the balance between political action and inner peace.
Political and Ethical Significance:
- Advocates a moral foundation for political power—rulers must uphold dharma, not just authority.
- Highlights the burden of kingship and the ruler’s duty to the common good.
- Recognizes realpolitik but insists on ethical limits—even in war or crisis.
Quote:
“Dharma protects those who protect it.” – Bhishma, Shanti Parva
Rajadharma according to Shanthi Parva
In the Shanti Parva of the Mahabharata, Rajadharma refers to the duty of the king, or more broadly, the ethical principles and responsibilities of rulership. It is presented as a moral and spiritual framework that governs the exercise of political power. Bhishma, lying on his bed of arrows, delivers this teaching to Yudhishthira to guide him in righteous rule after the war.
Core Principles of Rajadharma in Shanti Parva:
1. Dharma above all
The king must uphold dharma (righteousness, justice, and order) above personal desires or political convenience. His primary role is to protect and preserve moral order in society.
“The king is the embodiment of dharma on earth.”
2. Welfare of the People (Lokasangraha)
A ruler must act for the well-being of his subjects, ensuring peace, prosperity, and security. The happiness of the people is the measure of a successful reign.
“The king should look upon all beings as his own children.”
3. Self-Discipline and Restraint
The king must be free of greed, anger, and ego. His personal conduct should be a model of virtue, as his character sets the tone for society.
4. Protection of the Weak
The king is the protector of the vulnerable—women, children, the elderly, and those without support. Justice must be impartial and swift.
5. Consultation and Counsel
Good governance is not autocratic. A wise king listens to advisors, follows scriptures, and considers public opinion before acting.
6. Punishment with Compassion (Dandaniti)
The king must use punishment (danda) judiciously, not vindictively. The goal is correction and order, not cruelty.
7. Detachment from Power
A king must rule with detachment, understanding the impermanence of power. Rule is a duty (karma), not an entitlement.
Other Important duties of the king according to Rajaharma
Devvratt ‘Bhishma’ (the great kuru sage and warrior, a guy who is well-versed in the Vedic knowledge) directs Yudhishthira of the duties of a king. “Dharma’
- Protection of people from internal and external dangers.
- By proper ‘Dandaniti’ uphold ‘Dharma’ in all walks of life.
- Punishing the evil, rewarding the virtuous, protecting the weak and innocents by using the force of ‘Danda’ in just manner.
- King is one who pleases and protect his subjects/people.
- Work tirelessly for welfare and prosperity of the people living in the State.
- Be impartial, strict, and just while dispensing Justice- following Dandaniti
- Taking whatsoever decisions and actions required for maintenance and expansion of the State.
- Giving preference to interest and happiness of his people over his own interest,
- likes/dislikes and happiness
- He should be truthful, trustworthy, and virtuous. He should be conscientious and simple, hospitable and merciful, yet pragmatic and unbiased.
- King must subdue his senses(self-control); then only can he subdue enemies, and maintain Dharma in all walks of life.
- Should be efficient, enterprising, industrious, energetic, enthusiastic
- his conduct should be different in different situations- sometimes mild hard, kind cruel, helpful helpless etc., like a peacock exposing its various form in the time of capturing a snake.
- Should perform yajna, sacrifices for maintenance, expansion of the State and welfare of the people.
- Should keep virtuous advisers/counsels, Ministers, Councils
- Should become a role model for his people king always should try to be good to his own subjects and destroy his opponents/ enemies by any means.
- Should be like Sun, like clouds/rain, his temperance should be like spring Sun, neither very hot nor very cold.
- A king should be a seeker of Good (shreya) and Not the pleasurable (preya)
- Above all, a king should be the follower of truth & non-violence in spirit. A king following the principles of Rajadharma does not despise(hate) the weak, slight the enemies, hate any one, do any work in haste and procrastinate