The “dharma” and “rita” depict a central idea of ancient Vedic civilisation of India. In this context, consider the following statements:
- Dharma was a conception of obligations and of the discharge of one’s duties to oneself and to others.
- Rita was the fundamental moral law governing the functioning of the universe and all it contained.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
- Dharma in Vedic thought referred to the moral and social order, emphasizing the proper performance of one’s duties towards oneself, family, society, and the cosmos. It denoted righteousness and ethical conduct based on one’s role in society.
Statement 2 is correct
- Rita (or Ṛta) was the Vedic concept of cosmic order, truth, and harmony. It was believed to be the principle that governed the universe, including the movements of celestial bodies and the moral order of human society.
