UPSC Prelims 2011 Q100: Ancient History – Vedic Period
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?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation
Understanding "dharma" and "rita" in ancient Vedic thought
These two concepts formed the moral and cosmic backbone of ancient Vedic civilization.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Dharma = obligations and duties to oneself and others | Correct | Dharma in Vedic thought centrally concerns duty, righteousness, and obligation toward oneself, family, and society |
| 2. Rita = the fundamental moral law governing the universe | Correct | Rita represents the cosmic order/natural law that governs the functioning of the universe, which dharma (human duty) is meant to align with |
Dharma and Rita:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Dharma | Human duty/obligation, individual and social |
| Rita | Cosmic/moral law governing the universe |
| Relationship | Human dharma is meant to be in harmony with the universal rita |
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 (rita as cosmic law) is also correct, so '1 only' is incomplete.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 (dharma as duty/obligation) is also correct, so '2 only' is incomplete.
- (c) CORRECT. Both dharma (human duty/obligation) and rita (universal cosmic/moral law) are accurately described.
- (d) Incorrect. Since both statements are accurate, 'neither' is wrong.
Key point
Dharma (obligations and duties to oneself and others) and rita (the fundamental moral/cosmic law governing the universe) are both accurately described central ideas of ancient Vedic civilization.
Remember
Vedic thought: dharma = duty/obligation (human); rita = fundamental cosmic/moral law (universal). Both concepts are accurately described here.
Common mistakes
- Treating dharma and rita as interchangeable, missing their distinct human-duty vs. cosmic-law roles.
- Assuming only one of the two concepts is accurately defined in a given statement pairing.
- Not connecting dharma (human conduct) to its grounding in the larger cosmic order, rita.
Exam tip
Dharma = human duty/obligation. Rita = cosmic/moral law of the universe. Vedic thought links the two: dharma should align with rita.
Sources
- R. S. Sharma — Ancient India (NCERT textbook for Class XI)
- Romila Thapar — A History of India, Volume 1 (Penguin)