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Hinduism: Crime and Punishment

Hindu attitudes to punishment: danda and prayascitta

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 2

Overview

Punishment and atonement told apart, Manusmriti 7.14 to 7.26 on where danda comes from, how it must be given, life without it and the king fit to give it, and punishment as justice.

What you need to know

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Key term

What does the Manusmriti say about who should punish, and why is punishment needed?

Key term

What is punishment, and why do Hindus see it as necessary?

Key term

What is danda in Hindu teaching?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is punishment, and why do Hindus see it as necessary?

    Model answer

    Punishment is a penalty imposed on someone for breaking the law. Hindus see just punishment as a way of upholding dharma.

  2. 2

    What is danda in Hindu teaching?

    Model answer

    Danda means the rod, the power of the ruler to punish. Danda is the force that keeps order in society.

  3. 3

    What is prayascitta?

    Model answer

    Prayascitta is penance or atonement performed by a wrongdoer to remove the effects of a sin. Penances include fasting, prayer, charity and pilgrimage.

  4. 4

    What is the difference between danda and prayascitta?

    Model answer

    Danda is punishment imposed from outside by the ruler. Prayascitta is penance the wrongdoer chooses to undertake.

  5. 5

    How does Manusmriti 7.14 describe the origin of danda?

    Model answer

    The Lord created punishment for the king's sake as his own son, the protector of all creatures. Punishment is described as the law itself in bodily form.

  6. 6

    What does Manusmriti 7.18 teach about the role of punishment?

    Model answer

    Punishment alone governs and protects all creatures. Punishment keeps watch while people sleep.

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