Saṁbhāṣā | संभाषा
Saṁbhāṣā literally means a ‘discourse’ or a ‘discussion.’ This pillar inquires into political, social and economic strands of the Indian thinking and brings to light some of the prominent debates, discourses and propositions emanating from the Indian thinkers or having direct resonance to Indian realities.
Political Ideas in the Shanti Parva of the Mahabharata: The Context
Sameeran Galagali | December 22, 2023 | 21 Comments | 3 Min.
The Shanti Parva of the Mahabharata is considered to be an important text in the political theorisation in ancient India. The Shanti Parva discusses important topics such as Sovereignty, Origin of the State, Powers and duties of the King, rules and ethics of ruling, duties of the citizens etc., Shanti Parva is also important because it gives some understanding of how socio-political thinking in India is different from other societies and why is it necessary to revisit that theorisation.
Political Ideas in the Shanti Parva are in the form of discourses given by Bhishma, the grandsire of the Kauravas and Pandavas to Yudhishthira after the great war is over. The Shanti Parva is the 12th of the 18 parvas of the Mahabharata. The Shanti Parva consists of three upa parvas or sections- Rajdharmanushasana Parva, Apaddharma Parva, and Mokshadharma Parva and contains 365 chapters in all. It is the longest amongst the 18 parvas of the great epic. The first upa parva deals with politics and ethics, the second with Dharma in the time of distress, and the third deals with lessons on attainment of Moksha (renunciation). The discussion on politics and actual Rajadharma begins from the 56th Chapter. In the Mahabharata, Rajadharma is considered as the most important science. Rajadharma is also referred to as Kshatra-Dharma. In fact, the Shanti Parva regards Rajadharma as the root of all dharmas.
However, the Shanti Parva is not the first discussion on political ideas in ancient India, though it is one of the oldest and contains a descriptive discussion on the same. There are references to various predecessors of political thinking in the Shanti Parva. For example, the Shanti Parva mentions the 7 important treatises of Statecraft that are attributed to Bharadavaja, Vishalaksha, Parashara, Pishuna/Narada, Kaunapadanta/Bhishma, Vatavyadhi and Bahudantin/Mahendra, and it makes an addition to it by mentioning Gaurishiras.
Thus, in order to understand the nature of political theorisation in the Shanti Parva, it is necessary to have a basic understanding of certain important predecessors of the Shanti Parva theorisation.
Political Ideas in Ancient India:
The Vedas are the oldest treatises of knowledge in India. They contain ideals for both the king and the citizens necessary for ensuring a peaceful and harmonious society. Ashok Chousalkar in his ‘Methodology of Kautilya’s Arthashastra’ mentions that in ancient India, the science of politics was called ‘Drishtartha’ and was based on the ‘fifth Veda’ called ‘Itihasa’ and suggests the interpretation of the world which was visible to the senses.
When the five organisations of the Vedic society, namely Gotra, Grama, Visha, Jana and Rashtra were combined, political developments in the Vedic period are said to begin[3]. Some scholars like Bandyopadhyay believe that initially grama was the smallest unit and the jana was the highest political unit. Various other scholars place importance to the role of grama in political unification of the people, and eventually concepts like Rashtra and Rajya became important as the highest political unit. Rashtra was monarchical in nature. There are also references to ‘ganas’ or republics in Rigvedic literature. There are also many names associated with the Rashtra in the Vedic literature. The chief of the Vedic Rashtra is sometimes referred to as ‘antarbhu’, meaning, he was one of the visas and was considered as the most civilised person within the society. There are mentions of the process of choosing the king, which was performed by the rajakrita and gramina. The Atharva Veda mentions the processes of choosing the king. We can thus find various attributes attached to the conduct of a king, process/rationale behind ousting a king, re-electing an apparently driven out king etc.
In the Vedic literature, the concepts of Dharma and Danda become important in the realm of political ideas. In the Vedic literature, we find the term ‘Rit or ‘Rta’ in place of Dharma at some instances. Rit/Rta, in short, is the natural order of the universe and the laws that govern it; it manifests and presents the stable, established system of the material and moral elements. As time passed, Rit/Rta earned a stronger moral effect and its violation was considered a sin, and its moral significance was later attached to Dharma. Rta/Rit formed the epicentre or the duty of the Vedic Politics. The Kshatra or Kshatrasri were the Rigvedic terms synonymous to the Political Sovereign and politics was thus called Kshatra or Kshatri. The sovereignty depended on the king. These moral connotations attached to the State, King, and the overall political set-up show a strong influence on Shanti Parva’s theorisation of the State and its functions.
An initial enquiry into these predecessors of the Shanti Parva reveals to us certain important aspects of the nature of politics and political theorisation in ancient India. First, the moral connotations attached to the institution of the State and King. Second, this moral connotation can be said to have been translated into the doctrine of ‘Dharma,’ and finally, the central stage that Dharma assumes in the complete theorisation. Therefore, Dharma (through Rit/Rta) eventually started forming the epicentre of politics. This can potentially reveal to us the raison d’etat of the State, that is protection and upholding of Dharma in the society.
Since the institution of State is attached to the doctrine of Dharma, the attributes of the King, conduct of the King and citizens, the State-Individual relationship and Power Dynamics of ancient Indian political setup become important aspects of political theorisation.
These aspects can be treated as the intellectual context of the Shanti Parva. The rationale behind the origin of the State and the political ideas associated with the narratives of the origin of the State show resemblance to these Vedic political values.
This article series will attempt to analyse the important political ideas such as State-Individual relationship, Human Nature, Power Dynamics in ancient Indian society, and the raison d’etat of the State, described in Chapters 59 and 67 of the Shanti Parva that deal with the theories of Origin of State. We will also try to understand how the Indian understanding of certain fundamental political ideas is different from that of the West.
In the next article, we will try to analyse the narratives regarding theories related to the origin of the State in the Shanti Parva and how they form the backdrop of certain foundational political ideas and values.
------- Referrences -------
Vyasa, V. (n.d.). Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyas Translated into English prose from the original Sanskrit text (Vols. VIII, Shanti Parva Part 1). (P. C. Roy, Trans.) Kolkata: Oriental Publishing Company
Garg, S. (2004). POLITICAL IDEAS OF SHANTI PARVA. The Indian Journal of Political Science, 65(1), 77–86. http://www.jstor.org/stable/41855798
Mishra, K. K. (2004). THE STUDY OF ANCIENT INDIAN POLITICAL TRADITIONS. The Indian Journal of Political Science, 65(1), 9–20. http://www.jstor.org/stable/41855793
Pandey, P. (2019). Rajdharma in Mahabharata with special reference to Shanti Parva. New Delhi: D. K Printworld.
Shanti Parva 2LXIII 25,26,29; CXLI 9-10; LVI 3
The Study of Ancient Indian Political Traditions, by Kaushal Kishore Mishra in the Indian Journal of Political Science (Volume 65; Jan-March 2004), page 11.
Political Ideas in Shanti Parva, in ‘Rajdharma in Mahabharat with special reference to the Shanti Parva’ by Dr. Priyanka Pandey.
Author: Sameeran Galagali
December 22, 2023
Sameeran is a under-graduate student in Political Science at S.P College, Pune. Sameeran was also selected as a participant in the MFIS Study Circle on “Studying Socio-Political Thought in Indian Context”.
RECENT POSTS
The Irrelevance of Vijay Tendulkar: Deconstructing his Philosophy of Theater
Spiritual Foundations of National Identity: Vedanta in Swami Vivekananda’s Nationalist Discourse
Political Ideas in the Theories of Origin of State in the Shanti Parva
Theory of Origin of State in Shanti Parva: Part 2
21 Comment
sonablate
all the time i used to read smaller articles or reviews which as well clear their motive, and that is also happening with this paragraph which I am reading at this time. https://menbehealth.wordpress.com/
https://Menbehealth.Wordpress.com/
Hi, I read your blog regularly. Your humoristic style is awesome, keep it up! https://Menbehealth.Wordpress.com/
AustralianGameShowshek
The 1% Club challenges 100 contestants answering logic-based questions rather than recalling facts. Jim Jefferies hosts this innovative statistics-based competition. https://australiangameshows.top/
MetabolicFreedomhek
93% of Americans are metabolically unhealthy. This book shows you how to flip the script in 30 days. https://metabolicfreedom.top/ metabolic freedom book pdf
LasMujeresPDFhek
¿Tus amistades se distanciaron desde que estás con él? Señal de alerta https://lasmujeresqueamandemasiadopdf.cyou/ libro las mujeres que aman demasiado
betterthanthepromehek
If you love a good romance, you need to read about Liz and Wes. Their story is full of heart and humor. The fake dating plot is classic and fun. You can download the Better Than the Prom epub to enjoy it on your device. It is a great way to get your romance fix. https://betterthanthepromepub.site/ Better Than The Prom Free Download
dallapartedellebamhek
Dalla parte delle bambine di Elena Gianini Belotti è un monumento alla libertà di essere. Attraverso un'analisi rigorosa, l'autrice smonta i pregiudizi che ingabbiano l'infanzia. Se stai cercando il pdf, ti appresti a leggere un testo che ha cambiato la vita di molte donne. La Belotti ci mostra che non c'è "natura" che tenga di fronte alla potenza dell'educazione: siamo noi a creare le differenze. Un libro che restituisce potere all'educazione come strumento di liberazione e di giustizia sociale. https://dallapartedellebambinepdf.site/ Dalla Parte Delle Bambine Download
tomsawyerpdfhek
If you love stories about underdogs winning, this is for you. Tom and Huck are at the bottom of the social ladder, but they come out on top. It is a satisfying narrative. Cheer them on via ebook. A Tom Sawyer PDF allows you to witness their triumph over Injun Joe and society. https://tomsawyerpdf.ru/ Descargar Gratis Libro Tom Sawyer Español Pdf
scrivereeunmestierhek
Vani Sarca ha un segreto: scrive i libri degli altri. Ma in Scrivere è un mestiere pericoloso, il segreto più grande è l'identità dell'assassino. Alice Basso ha creato un giallo appassionante e divertente. Se cerchi il pdf, preparati a non staccarti più dallo schermo. La storia è un continuo susseguirsi di emozioni e risate. Vani è una protagonista carismatica, capace di reggere la scena da sola. Il confronto con il commissario Berganza è uno dei punti alti del libro. Una lettura che soddisfa e diverte, perfetta per gli amanti del genere. https://scrivereeunmestierepericolosopdf.site/ Scrivere È Un Mestiere Pericoloso
acourtofwingsandruhek
A storm is gathering, and Feyre is at its center. Her time in the Spring Court is a dangerous game of manipulation. Fans of the series often prefer the A Court of Wings and Ruin PDF for the ability to read on backlit screens at night. The atmosphere of the book is dark and brooding, fitting for a story about war and ruin. The character development of the secondary cast, including Mor and Cassian, is superb. This is a novel that demands your full attention and rewards you with an unforgettable experience. https://acourtofwingsandruinpdf.ru/ A Court Of Wings And Ruin Epub Vk Download
throneofglasspdfhek
In a land without magic, an assassin is summoned to the castle. She does not come to kill the King, but to win her freedom. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas blends action, romance, and mystery into a seamless narrative that keeps pages turning late into the night. As the protagonist trains with Captain Chaol Westfall, sparks fly and secrets unravel. For modern readers who prefer digital formats, locating a throne of glass pdf allows for an uninterrupted reading experience during commutes or travel. Discover why this series has become a global phenomenon and dominated the bestseller lists for years. https://throneofglasspdf.store/ Throne Of Glass Epub Free Download
swingingislandpdfhek
https://swingingislandpdf.site/
theroundhousepdfhek
https://theroundhousepdf.site/
swingingislandpdfhek
https://swingingislandpdf.site/
thekissingboothpdfhek
There is nothing quite like a secret romance to spice up a reading list. Beth Reekles captures the essence of teenage angst and fluttery feelings in this beloved novel. From the planning of the carnival fundraiser to the secret motorcycle rides, every chapter keeps you hooked. If you have been hunting for The Kissing Booth PDF or a digital edition, you are likely ready to binge-read this story in one sitting. It is a lighthearted yet emotional journey that reminds us all of the complexities of growing up and falling in love for the first time. https://thekissingboothpdf.site/ Elf On The Shelf Kissing Booth Free Printable Pdf
unavitanuovapdfhek
L'auto d'epoca, una Fiat 850 Spider, diventa quasi un terzo protagonista in questa avventura on the road che attraversa l'Italia per puntare verso il Nord. È il simbolo di un passato che non vuole essere dimenticato ma che deve essere guidato verso il futuro. Se sei curioso di scoprire come finisce il viaggio, potresti voler cercare una vita nuova pdf per immergerti nella lettura senza attendere i tempi di spedizione cartacea. La narrazione di Volo è perfetta per i formati digitali, con capitoli che si lasciano divorare uno dopo l'altro, ideali per chi cerca una lettura scorrevole che sappia però lasciare un segno profondo nell'animo. https://unavitanuovapdf.site/ Recensioni Una Vita Nuova
thekissingboothpdfhek
Step into a world of high school secrets. The Kissing Booth is the novel that defines the modern teen romance genre. Elle's journey is one of self-discovery as much as it is about love. If you are looking to download the story or find a PDF, you are making a great choice. The written version provides nuances to the "rules" of friendship that the movie skims over. It is a delightful, angsty, and romantic story that will keep you up late turning the pages. https://thekissingboothpdf.site/ The Kissing Booth Epub Free Download
unavitanuovapdfhek
Ultimo consiglio: non sottovalutate il potere di un buon libro letto al momento giusto. La storia di due amici che attraversano l'Europa per ritrovarsi può essere la scintilla che stavate aspettando. Molti cercano una vita nuova pdf proprio per la facilità di accesso che il digitale garantisce. Che sia su un tablet in treno o su un telefono in sala d'attesa, le parole di Volo sapranno tenervi compagnia. È un romanzo che celebra la vita, l'amicizia e la capacità di rinascere dalle proprie ceneri, più forti e consapevoli di prima. Buona lettura e buon viaggio. https://unavitanuovapdf.site/ Una Nuova Vita Pdf
demiparamipdfhek
La serie De: Mí Para: Mí es pura emoción. Puedes con esto y más te levanta el ánimo. Nacarid y Chriss conectan. La búsqueda de de mi para mi pdf facilita el acceso. Tener este libro en digital es tener un amigo sabio en el bolsillo, siempre dispuesto a recordarte lo capaz que eres de superar todo. https://demiparamipdf.site/ Comandos Cmd Para Eliminar Virus De Mi Pc Pdf
lamicagenialepdfhek
La forza di L'amica geniale sta nella sua autenticità. Elena Ferrante racconta la vita senza filtri, con una crudezza che colpisce. La storia di due amiche che cercano di sopravvivere in un mondo ostile. Avere L'amica geniale in formato PDF è un vantaggio per chi ama leggere in mobilità. La praticità del digitale si unisce alla bellezza della storia. È un romanzo che vi farà vibrare le corde dell'anima. Una lettura intensa e indimenticabile. https://lamicagenialepdf.site/ Max Richter L'amica Geniale Spartito Pdf
inmydreamsiholdaknhek
https://inmydreamsiholdaknifepdf.site/