Dharmashastra presents a duty-centric worldview for individuals and communities. Comment. (15m) (UPSC CSE Mains 2024- Political Science and International Relations, Paper 1)
Dharmashastra is the tradition of thoughts that represents the idea of socio-political arrangement in a society based on Hindu Philosophy. Dharmashastras are actually moral codes of laws and treaties that determine the way of life of people. The significance of this tradition is that it sees the arrangement and structure of society from the perspective of Dharma (Duty). According to Dharmashastra, a society is well-ordered if everyone performs their duty in an organic manner. The political authority in Dharmashstra is created to maintain order and the king has the power to punish (danda) to maintain Dharma. Dharmashastra was considered as embodiment of complete knowledge given to Manu by Lord Brahma. Thus, establishment of Dharma or cosmic order is primary goal. Powers and authority of king is secondary.
- Dhrti (patience)
- Ks’ama (forgiveness)
- Dhama (self-control)
- Asteya (non-stealing)
- Shaoca (cleanliness)
- Indriyanigraha (control over organs)
- Dhii (benevolent intellect)
- Vidya’ (spiritual Knowledge)
- Satyam (benevolent truthfulness)
- Akrodha (non-anger)
The doctrine of dharma hence in its entirety imparts to dharmasastra the character of an instrument for the cohesion of society and advancement of culture. Dharma elevates man out of superficial sensory perceptions by instituting legislation, adjudication, and the enforcement of duties. The functions of dharmasastra are in keeping with the ideas involved in the doctrine of dharma. Dharmasastra as a pedagogic or purgatorial or moral- training institution is not merely an ownership-securing agency, but a dharma- promoting community. And herein, the Indian knowledge tradition provides the justification for considering the concept and texts of dharmasastra as a symbol of devotion to the cause of furtherance of the ‘highest good’ of man in a cohesive society.
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