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Hinduism: Religion, Peace and Conflict

Dharma yuddha, holy war and Hindu conduct in war

  • 3 things to know
  • Component Group 2

Overview

The conditions for a righteous war, the Mahabharata on last resort and rules of conduct, Manusmriti VII on the king's duty, the Kshatriya varna, Kurukshetra, prisoners and civilians, and daya.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What do Hindus mean by dharma yuddha?

Key term

What conditions must a war meet to be dharma yuddha?

Key term

How does the Mahabharata show that war must be a last resort?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What do Hindus mean by dharma yuddha?

    Model answer

    Dharma yuddha is righteous war, fought to restore dharma and protect the innocent. Dharma yuddha must be fought by agreed rules.

  2. 2

    What conditions must a war meet to be dharma yuddha?

    Model answer

    The war must have a just cause, such as defence against aggression, and be declared by rightful authority. The war must be a last resort, after every attempt at peace has failed.

  3. 3

    How does the Mahabharata show that war must be a last resort?

    Model answer

    Krishna goes to the Kauravas as a peace envoy before the battle of Kurukshetra. The Pandavas ask for only five villages, but Duryodhana refuses them even a needle's point of land.

  4. 4

    What rules of conduct in war does the Mahabharata describe?

    Model answer

    Warriors should fight only their equals, a charioteer against a charioteer. Warriors must not strike those who surrender, flee or are unarmed.

  5. 5

    What does Manusmriti VII 90–93 teach about conduct in war?

    Model answer

    Manusmriti VII 90 forbids poisoned, barbed or fiery weapons. Verses 91–93 forbid striking the unarmed, the sleeping, the wounded or those who surrender.

  6. 6

    What does Manusmriti VII 87 teach about a king's duty in war?

    Model answer

    A king who protects his people must not shrink from battle when attacked. Kshatriya duty requires him to fight, whether the enemy is stronger or weaker.

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