UPSC Prelims 2011 · Question 40 of 100
UPSC Prelims 2011 question on Dharma and Rita
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2011
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectAncient History
- TopicVedic Period
- DifficultyMedium
- TypeStatement
The “dharma” and “rita” depict a central idea of ancient Vedic civilization of India. In this context, consider the following statements:
1. Dharma was a conception of obligations and of the discharge of one’s duties to oneself and to others.
2. 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?
Show answer
Answer: C. Both 1 and 2
Verdict
Correct Answer: Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct because Dharma and Rita represent central ideas of ancient Vedic thought.
Statement by statement
1. Dharma was a conception of obligations and duties — Correct
Dharma refers to the duties, responsibilities and moral conduct expected from an individual. It includes obligations towards oneself, family, society and the larger cosmic order.
In simple terms, Dharma means the right way of living according to one’s role and responsibility.
2. Rita was the fundamental moral law of the universe — Correct
Rita refers to the cosmic and moral order that governs the universe. It maintains natural order, such as the movement of the sun, change of seasons and regularity of life.
In the Rig Veda, Varuna is closely associated with the protection of Rita.
Extra UPSC info
Rita represents universal order; Dharma represents human duty in accordance with that order.
Dharma later became one of the four Purusharthas, along with Artha, Kama and Moksha.
Violation of Rita was associated with disorder or Anrita.
In later Indian thought, Dharma became important in social, political and legal ideas.
The idea of a righteous king was linked with protection of Dharma.
How to crack it
Rita is the universal moral order, while Dharma is the human duty to live according to that order. Therefore, both statements are correct..