Hello everyone, I Kiran, accompanied by my group members Saina, Hinam, Aditi, Siya and Samiksha,

will be presenting on our research paper titled evolution of Dharma: comparing rama and krishna.

In our paper, We aimed to analyze the evolution of Dharma by drawing a comparison between two
incarnations of Vishu – rama and krishna. The paper begins with the basic understanding of Dharma.
We then jump into the individual views of rama and krishna on dharma which is followed by a
comparative analysis of both.

So, beginning with the question- what is dharma? It is thought of as an umbrella concept and thus
has been interpretated in different ways throughout the history. Patrick Olivelle defines dharma in
simple terms as rules, laws and norms that governed the lives of individuals as parts of larger groups-
be they family, lineage, caste, professional or religious association, village, or region- and the lives of
these groups as they interacted with each other in the wider society. Dharma plays a significant role
in influencing Indian culture, religion, and philosophy.
Buddhism adopted dharma as the most central concept in its ideology for the very first time. And this
encouraged Brahmanas to embrace the term into Hinduism as well. And thus they initiated a whole
new literary genre, Dharmasastra, which was devoted to concept of dharma.
Apastamba who was one of the earliest scholars to write on dharma, mentions Veda and everyday
practices of people as the sources of dharma. Hence, dharma is derived from the conduct of people
in the world.
Now comes the question whether dharma can be changed over time. While some argue that
dharma, bestowed by the gods, is unamendable, others believe in its capacity for change over time.
The notion that that dharma is derived from the Veda implies its divine origin and the impossibility of
amending or enacting new dharma. However, human societies and their customs inevitably undergo
change. According to the 12th-century commentator Vijnanesvara, rules can and must be set aside if
they seemed to be offensive to the people. This allows adjustments to the inflexible dharma based
on societal practices and sensibilities.
Coming to the contrary implications of dharma, the concept is still profound in present times. Our
ancestors emphasized responsibilities and duty over rights as they believed that when
responsibilities and duties are fulfilled, people receive their rights. If people will live in conformity
with their dharma, the individual rights of all others will be naturally granted and the rest is left to
ishwara.
Another instance which can be mentioned is that of the concept of the dharma of kings, or Raja
Dharma which was elaborately expounded by pitamaha Bhishma to yudhisthara. It is still very much
in vogue in the present-day Indian consciousness, because it is believed to be not restricted to
monarchs alone, but to extend to any high placed person in politics. Its importance in contemporary
world can be understood through Prime Minister Vajpayee’s statement when is said that the ruler of
the state must discharge his Raj dharma, far above any sectarian consideration or narrow mindset, by
implication.

"Ahimsa Paramo Dharma" is a Sanskrit phrase that was popularized by Mahatma Gandhi.
nonviolence is the topmost duty to the extent that it supersedes all other duties.