Rajdharma in the Mahabharata

Abstract

This article delves into the principles of Rajdharma as conceptualised in the text of the Mahabharata. It underscores the idea that the ‘state’ in ancient India was fundamentally normative as it was expected to promote dharma, in which the principles of justice and public good were inherent. Drawing out the codes of ethical governance, the article seeks to feature the relevant principles that offer a culturally rooted model of good governance in ancient times. The document closely studies the primary text to extract the relevant shlokas to highlight the key principles of Rajdharma. The relevant Sanskrit shlokas are cited with their numbers in the related sections with English translations italicised for the readers' convenience.

Keywords

Dharma Rajdharma Shanti Parva Mahabharata state in ancient India

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