Duties of Citizens as per the Mahabharata

The Mahabharata is not just an epic but a vast repository of wisdom that provides guidance on dharma (duty), governance, and righteous conduct. While it primarily narrates the conflict between the Pandavas and Kauravas, the deeper essence of the epic lies in its moral and ethical teachings, which are highly relevant for modern society.

Just as the Indian Constitution prescribes fundamental duties for citizens, the Mahabharata also lays down civic responsibilities essential for maintaining harmony, justice, and righteousness (dharma) in society. This article explores how the Mahabharata defines the duties of citizens and how these teachings remain relevant in the modern world.

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1. The Concept of Duty (Dharma) in the Mahabharata

The Mahabharata repeatedly emphasizes dharma, which is the guiding principle of life. Unlike modern legal systems that enforce duties through laws, the Mahabharata teaches that duties must come from self-discipline, morality, and the realization of one’s role in society.

As Krishna explains to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita, one’s duty should not be dictated by personal desires but by the greater good of society. Citizens have a moral obligation to contribute to the prosperity and stability of their nation.

Some key aspects of dharma in the Mahabharata include:

• Swadharma – Personal duty according to one’s nature and role in society.
• Rajdharma – Duty of rulers to govern justly.
• Samajik Dharma – Duty towards society, including respect for justice, equality, and service.
• Paropkar Dharma – Duty of helping others and working for the welfare of society.

These principles align with the fundamental duties prescribed in the Indian Constitution.

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2. Duties of Citizens as Envisioned in the Mahabharata

The Mahabharata outlines several responsibilities that every citizen must uphold for a just and prosperous society. Some of these include:

A. Duty to Uphold Dharma and Righteousness

One of the central themes of the Mahabharata is dharma, which means righteousness and justice. Every citizen has the responsibility to:

• Follow truth and justice, even in difficult times.
• Respect the laws of society and ensure they are upheld.
• Reject adharma (injustice), even if it comes from powerful individuals.

📖 Example: Yudhishthira, despite losing everything in the game of dice, upheld his dharma by accepting exile rather than rebelling unjustly. This teaches that citizens must respect laws and honor agreements, even in adversity.

B. Duty to Protect the Nation and Society

The Mahabharata teaches that protecting one’s nation and society is a sacred duty. Citizens must:

• Defend the country’s sovereignty.
• Fight against external and internal threats.
• Contribute to national security and unity.

📖 Example: The Pandavas, despite being wronged, fought for justice and the integrity of the kingdom, emphasizing that citizens must defend their nation when necessary.

C. Duty to Promote Unity and Social Harmony

Society thrives when there is harmony among its people, irrespective of caste, creed, or background. The Mahabharata warns against internal divisions that can weaken a nation. Citizens must:

• Promote brotherhood and respect for all communities.
• Reject discrimination based on birth, caste, or wealth.
• Work together to ensure social stability and peace.

📖 Example: Bhishma warned that internal conflicts weaken nations, just as the division between the Kauravas and Pandavas led to destruction. Similarly, modern societies must avoid internal divisions.

D. Duty to Protect Women and the Vulnerable

The Mahabharata strongly condemns the mistreatment of women and vulnerable individuals. Citizens must:

• Ensure respect and dignity for women in society.
• Protect the weak and helpless from exploitation.
• Oppose practices that degrade human dignity.

📖 Example: Draupadi’s humiliation in the Kaurava court symbolizes the downfall of a society that fails to protect its women. The epic warns that a society that disrespects women is doomed to destruction.

E. Duty to Preserve Knowledge and Wisdom

Education and wisdom are crucial for a society’s progress. The Mahabharata stresses the need for citizens to:

• Seek knowledge and educate future generations.
• Promote intellectual and scientific growth.
• Respect teachers and scholars.

📖 Example: Krishna emphasized learning and wisdom as the greatest weapons. Even in war, strategies like diplomacy, knowledge, and intelligence played a key role. Similarly, modern citizens must value education and innovation.

F. Duty to Protect Nature and Resources

Environmental responsibility is another key lesson from the Mahabharata. Citizens must:

• Protect forests, rivers, and natural resources.
• Respect the balance of nature.
• Avoid greed and over-exploitation of resources.

📖 Example: Arjuna’s encounter with Lord Shiva as Kirata in the forest symbolizes the sacred connection between humans and nature. The epic warns that harming nature leads to disasters and destruction.

G. Duty to Work for the Welfare of Society

Citizens should actively contribute to social welfare and charity. The Mahabharata stresses:

• Helping the needy and supporting social causes.
• Participating in community service and nation-building.
• Ensuring justice and fairness for all.

📖 Example: Karna, despite being an ally of the Kauravas, was known for his unmatched generosity, teaching that helping others is a duty beyond personal rivalries.

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3. Relevance of Mahabharata’s Teachings in Modern Society

The Mahabharata is not just an ancient story but a blueprint for a just society. Its teachings are deeply relevant today:

Mahabharata’s Teachings	Modern Application
Upholding dharma and justice	Citizens must follow laws and morality
Defending the nation	Citizens should support national security
Unity and social harmony	Reject caste based politics and discrimination
Respecting women	Ensure gender equality and safety
Seeking knowledge	Promote education and research
Protecting the environment	Encourage sustainable development
Charity and welfare	Support social causes and justice

These values, when followed, create a strong, ethical, and prosperous nation.

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4. Conclusion

The Mahabharata provides a timeless guide on the duties of citizens. It teaches that a nation thrives when its people are righteous, disciplined, and socially responsible.

By upholding justice, protecting the weak, respecting knowledge, and promoting unity, citizens can build a society that prospers in every way. These lessons are as relevant today as they were in ancient times.

Just as Krishna guided Arjuna to perform his duty selflessly, every citizen must recognize their responsibility toward nation-building and the greater good of society. A nation flourishes not just through its leaders but through the dedication and integrity of its people.

Thus, the Mahabharata is not just a tale of war—it is a guide for creating a righteous and prosperous civilization, one where duties come before personal interests.