− | Nyaya (translates to law) was laid down as an instrument to govern a Rajya (State) which was considered an essential for a society to follow [[Dharma|Dharma]]. Dharma, which has different meanings based on the context used, means Nyaya in a legal context. Nyaya constitutes Vyavaharadharma (व्यवहारधर्मः) and Rajadharma (राजधर्मः). Vyavaharadharma is <q>the positive civil and criminal law, as also the law regulating the constitution and organisation of State</q><ref name="LCHI-Rama_Jois-Ch2">Justice M. Rama Jois, ''Legal and Constitutional History of India'' (2016), Chapter 2</ref> and Rajadharma is <q>the law laying down powers, duties and responsibilities of a king</q>.<ref name="LCHI-Rama_Jois-Ch2"/> King was entrusted with power by Rajadharma to enforce obedience of the people to Vyavaharadharma in the Rajya. | + | Nyaya (translates to law) was laid down as an instrument to govern a Rajya (State), which was considered an essential for a society to follow [[Dharma|Dharma]]. Dharma, which has different meanings based on the context used, means Nyaya in a legal context. Nyaya constitutes Vyavaharadharma (व्यवहारधर्मः) and Rajadharma (राजधर्मः). Vyavaharadharma is <q>the positive civil and criminal law, as also the law regulating the constitution and organisation of State</q><ref name="LCHI-Rama_Jois-Ch2">Justice M. Rama Jois, ''Legal and Constitutional History of India'' (2016), Chapter 2</ref> and Rajadharma is <q>the law laying down powers, duties and responsibilities of a king</q>.<ref name="LCHI-Rama_Jois-Ch2"/> King was entrusted with power by Rajadharma to enforce obedience of the people to Vyavaharadharma in the Rajya. |
| Nyaya is superior to the king and entrusts king with the duty of protecting people. [[Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (बृहदारण्यक उपनिषद्)|Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (बृहदारण्यक उपनिषद्)]] defines Nyaya as follows. | | Nyaya is superior to the king and entrusts king with the duty of protecting people. [[Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (बृहदारण्यक उपनिषद्)|Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (बृहदारण्यक उपनिषद्)]] defines Nyaya as follows. |