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{{Hindu scriptures}}
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{{ToBeEdited}}'''Dharma-yuddha''' is a [[Sanskrit]] word made up of two roots: ''[[dharma]]'' meaning righteousness, and ''yuddha'' meaning warfare. In the [[Hindu scripture|ancient Bharat's texts]], dharma-yuddha refers to a war that is fought while following several rules that make the war fair.<ref>{{cite book|title=Hinduism and the Ethics of Warfare in South Asia: From Antiquity to the Present|page=28|publisher=Cambridge University|author=Kaushik Roy}}</ref>
'''Dharma-yuddha''' is a [[Sanskrit]] word made up of two roots: ''[[dharma]]'' meaning righteousness, and ''yuddha'' meaning warfare. In the [[Hindu scripture|ancient Bharat's texts]], dharma-yuddha refers to a war that is fought while following several rules that make the war fair.<ref>{{cite book|title=Hinduism and the Ethics of Warfare in South Asia: From Antiquity to the Present|page=28|publisher=Cambridge University|author=Kaushik Roy}}</ref>
      
For instance, in a righteous war, equals fight equals. Chariot warriors are not supposed to attack [[cavalry]] and [[infantry]], those on elephants are not supposed to attack [[infantry]], and so on. The rules also forbid the usage of [[Astra (weapon)|celestial weapons]] (divine weapons bestowed by the gods) on ordinary soldiers (as opposed to soldiers of noble birth). The build-up of weapons and armies is done with the full knowledge of the opposing side and no surprise attacks are made.  
 
For instance, in a righteous war, equals fight equals. Chariot warriors are not supposed to attack [[cavalry]] and [[infantry]], those on elephants are not supposed to attack [[infantry]], and so on. The rules also forbid the usage of [[Astra (weapon)|celestial weapons]] (divine weapons bestowed by the gods) on ordinary soldiers (as opposed to soldiers of noble birth). The build-up of weapons and armies is done with the full knowledge of the opposing side and no surprise attacks are made.  
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== Other texts ==  
 
== Other texts ==  
 
Beyond the Mahabharata, the principles of dharma-yuddha are referred to in many other ancient Bharat's texts, including the ''[[Ramayana]]'' and the [[Dharmashastra]]s or law texts.  
 
Beyond the Mahabharata, the principles of dharma-yuddha are referred to in many other ancient Bharat's texts, including the ''[[Ramayana]]'' and the [[Dharmashastra]]s or law texts.  
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==See also==
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*[[Interventionism (politics)]]
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*[[Just War]]
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*[[Militarism]]
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*[[Roerich Pact]]
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*[[Rule of Law in Armed Conflicts Project (RULAC)]]
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*[[Rule of law]]
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*[[Rule According to Higher Law]]
      
==References==
 
==References==
{{reflist}}
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== External links ==
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* [http://ignca.nic.in/ks_41041.htm Strategic Thinking in Ancient India and China] 
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* [http://www.chennaionline.com/festivalsnreligion/religion/2005/religion879.asp Chennai Online] Comparison of the nighttime fighting rule in the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.
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{{HinduMythology}}
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[[Category:Mahabharata]]
 
[[Category:Mahabharata]]
[[Category:Laws of war]]
 

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