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<blockquote>{{ToBeEdited}}</blockquote>Trivarga (Samskrit: त्रिवर्गः)  
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{{One source}}Trivarga (Samskrit: त्रिवर्गः) refers to [[Dharma (धर्मः)|Dharma]], Artha and Kama, the inseparable group of three ideals that forms the foundation for an ordered human society according to Bharatiya tattvajnana.<ref name=":0" /> The Trivarga Siddhanta states that Dharma must control desires as well as the means of acquisition of wealth and deriving pleasure<ref name=":2">Justice Mandagadde Rama Jois (1997), [https://www.vhp-america.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DHARMA_Ram_Jois.pdf Dharma: The Global Ethic], Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.</ref> thereby declaring the Supremacy of Dharma over 
 
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* Artha - that refers to wealth and the desire for securing material pleasure and, 
The Doctrine of Trivarga comprising of Dharma, Artha and Kama is the sum and substance of the Bharatiya Philosophy of life, intended to strike a reasonable balance between the interests of the individual and the public interest which means the interests the of all other individuals who constitute the society or Nation concerned and includes all humanity. It declares the Supremacy of Dharma over Artha (wealth, desire for securing material pleasure) and Kama, (every type of desire including the desire for securing wealth and every type of pleasure). It is the invaluable and everlasting solution for all the problems of all human beings for all time to come, irrespective of their belonging or not belonging to any religion.<ref name=":2">Justice M.Rama Jois, [https://www.vhp-america.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DHARMA_Ram_Jois.pdf Dharma The Global Ethic].</ref><ref name=":0" />  
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* Kama - that includes every type of desire including the desire for securing wealth and all types of pleasure 
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This doctrine of Trivarga intends to strike a reasonable balance between the interests of the individual and public interest by which is meant the interests of all other individuals who constitute the society or Nation inclusive of the entire humanity. It is an invaluable and everlasting solution for all the problems of all human beings for all times to come and forms the sum and substance of the Bharatiya Philosophy of life.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" />  
 
== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==
 
== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==
Vedic wisdom and Bhagavad Gita which contain its quintessence, emphatically proclaim that the four purusharthas when righteously observed are designed to fill every human existence with bliss. These purusharthas are Dharma or right conduct, Artha—creation of wealth through righteous means, Kama—-satisfaction of legitimate desires and ultimately, moksha or salvation.
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Vedic wisdom and the [[Bhagavad Gita (भगवद्गीता)|Bhagavad Gita]] that contains its essence, firmly indicate that the four Purusharthas when righteously observed are designed to fill every human existence with bliss. These Purusharthas are  
 
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# Dharma or Righteous Code of Conduct
Dharma, Artha and Kama are like the three legs of a stool. The absence of anyone of them would render life to be futile. Even so, the legitimacy of both Artha and Kama depends on both conforming in entirety on Dharma. The scriptures therefore call the first three purusharsthas as Trivarga. Trivarga, when it is balanced, enriches life, filling it with a sense of fulfillment.
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# Artha that is, creation of wealth through righteous means
 
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# Kama that refers to satisfaction of legitimate desires
Indian philosophy considers ‘Kama’ and ‘Artha’ - the means to Kama, as valid human pursuits. But it considers ‘Lobha’ (greed) and ‘Moha’ (delusion) arising from unchecked desires as unethical because they incline to work against social interests. To restrain these two pursuits from becoming anti social, Indian Philosophy presents a third vital human pursuit namely 'Dharma'. It is Dharma that helps all people to have the opportunity of experiencing maximum sensual satisfaction by acquisition of wealth and other material objects through right actions. Even Sri Krishna, the human manifestation of the Divine Self in all beings, endorses this validity of Kama in the Bhagavad Gita.<ref name=":0">M.Rama Jois (2004), Trivarga, Mumbai: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.</ref> He says,<blockquote>धर्माविरुद्धो भूतेषु कामोऽस्मि भरतर्षभ ॥७- ११॥<ref>Bhagavad Gita, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9E%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9E%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83 Chapter 7].</ref> ''dharmāviruddho bhūteṣu kāmo'smi bharatarṣabha ॥7- 11॥''</blockquote>Meaning: I am that Kama (Sensual desire) in all beings, which is not opposed to Dharma.
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# [[Moksha (मोक्षः)|Moksha]]
 
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Undoubtedly, the ultimate goal or ideal enshrined in the hearts of all was Moksha i.e. freedom from the bondage of the birth and death cycle and to secure union with the creator. And every individual was enjoined to strive for the same. However, the scriptures term the first three Purusharthas specifically, as Trivarga. For, Dharma, Artha and Kama are like the three legs of a stool. The absence of anyone of them would render life to be futile. While the idea of moksha, being philosophical in nature, is not included in the concept of Trivarga.  
But this pursuit of satisfaction of desires and earning of money should be disciplined and regulated by an ethical sense, so that all persons in a society may get the opportunity to satisfy their urge for them.<ref name=":0" /><blockquote>धर्माथावुच्यते श्रेयः कामार्थो धर्म एव च । अर्थ एवेह वा श्रेयस्त्रिवर्ग इति तु स्थितिः ॥ २.२२४ ॥<ref>Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Chapter 2].</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''dharmāthāvucyate śreyaḥ kāmārtho dharma eva ca । artha eveha vā śreyastrivarga iti tu sthitiḥ ॥ 2.224 ॥''</blockquote>Meaning: To achieve welfare and happiness some declare Dharma and Artha are good. Others declare that Artha and Kama are better. Still others declare that Dharma is the best. There are also persons who declare Artha alone secures happiness. But the correct view is that Trivarga, the aggregate of Dharma, Artha and Kama secures welfare and happiness.''<ref name=":0" />''
 
 
 
In this single verse (2.224 and 4.176), Manu Smriti has considered the merits of pure materialism (Artha and Kama) and of mere spiritualism (Dharma without Artha) and concluded that it is the combination of Dharma, Artha and Kama which secures welfare and happiness with an overriding principle that desire (kama) and material wealth (artha) should be rejected if they are inconsistent with Dharma and calls this doctrine Trivarga. There can be no better rule or philosophy than Trivarga, for the welfare of the individual and society. It strikes a harmonious balance between the interests of the individual and society.<ref name=":2" />
 
 
 
Therefore, as Bharataratna C. Subramanyam says,<blockquote>''“Indian philosophy refers to Dharma, Artha and Kama as TRIVARGA, the inseparable group of three and treats them as the warp and woof of ordered human society.”<ref name=":0" />'' </blockquote>The doctrine meant that Dharma must control the desire (kama) as well as the means of acquisition of wealth and deriving pleasure (Artha). Dharma therefore prescribed the rules of right conduct, observance of which was considered necessary for the welfare of the individual and society.<ref name=":2" />
 
 
 
== The Purpose of Trivarga ==
 
Our ancient seers had evolved a doctrine called Trivarga comprising of three inseparable ideals namely Dharma (Righteous Code of Conduct), Artha (every type of wealth) and Kama (every type of desires of human beings) as a permanent and effective solution for all human problems. And put it in the form of an injunction to all human beings in one line,<ref name=":0" /><blockquote>परित्यजेदर्थकामौ यौ स्यातां धर्मवर्जितौ । ४.१७६ ।<ref name=":1">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Chapter 4].</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''parityajedarthakāmau yau syātāṁ dharmavarjitau । 4.176 ।''</blockquote>Meaning: Reject wealth (artha) and desires (kama) which are contrary to Dharma (righteous code of conduct).
 
 
 
And by Dharma was meant Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (not acquiring illegitimate wealth), Shaucha (purity) and Indriyanigraha (control of senses) that are, in brief, the common dharma for all the varnas.<ref name=":0" />
 
 
 
The Trivarga doctrine was evolved to secure happiness to all without discrimination and in an enduring manner. It is a pragmatic doctrine for the welfare of entire humanity irrespective of classes to which they belong.<ref name=":0" />
 
 
 
== Importance of Trivarga ==
 
The doctrine of Trivarga is an enduring system of values holding good in the social, political, domestic and international planes of human business. The greatest epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, Manusmrti, Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Brhaspati Smrti, Somadeva’s Nitivakyamrta, Kamandaka's Nitisara all unanimously declared that rule of Trivarga should be followed both by the rulers and the ruled and that alone was a guarantee for peace and happiness of human beings. It has been the guiding principle for the rulers and the ruled.<ref name=":0" />
 
 
 
The propounders of Dharma did realise that the fulfillment of desires of human beings was essential to secure happiness but were of the opinion that unless the desires were regulated by Dharma, they would bring about undesirable results. Therefore, all the propounders of Dharma were unanimous that for the existence of an orderly society and peace and to secure the basic human right of happiness to all, the desires (kama) for material enjoyment, and earning wealth (Artha) should always conform to Dharma (Code of Right Conduct) and be never inconsistent with it.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":0" /><blockquote>तस्माच्छास्त्रं प्रमाणं ते कार्याकार्यव्यवस्थितौ । ज्ञात्वा शास्त्रविधानोक्तं कर्म कर्तुमिहार्हसि ॥१६- २४॥<ref>Bhagavad Gita, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 16.]</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''tasmācchāstraṁ pramāṇaṁ tē kāryākāryavyavasthitau । jñātvā śāstravidhānōktaṁ karma kartumihārhasi ॥16- 24॥''</blockquote>Meaning: Let the shastras be your authority in deciding what you should do and what you should desist from doing.<ref name=":2" />
 
 
 
== राजनीत्याः आधारः ॥ Basis for Rajaniti ==
 
The unanimous view expressed in all the important works such as Ramayana, Mahabharata, Smritis, authoritative texts on Rajaneeti is, Trivarga is the basic structure of our social and political system, as set out below:-
 
 
 
In RAMAYANA<blockquote>त्रिवर्ग फल भोक्ता च राजा धर्मेण युज्यते ।४-३८-२३<ref>Ramayana, Kishkindha Kanda, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A9%E0%A5%AE Sarga 38]</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''trivarga phala bhoktā ca rājā dharmeṇa yujyate ।4-38-23''</blockquote>Meaning: The essence of Rajadharma is the Ruler must conform to rule of Trivarga [Ramayana 38-23]
 
 
 
In MAHABHARATA<blockquote>धर्मार्थकामाः सममेव सेव्या यो ह्येकभक्तः स नरो जघन्यः। </blockquote><blockquote>द्वयोस्तु दक्षं प्रवदन्ति मध्यं स उत्तमो योऽभिरतस्त्रिवर्गे ।।१२.१६५.४०<ref>Mahabharata, Shanti Parva, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-12-%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5-165 Adhyaya 165]</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''dharmārthakāmāḥ samameva sevyā yo hyekabhaktaḥ sa naro jaghanyaḥ।'' </blockquote><blockquote>''dvayostu dakṣaṁ pravadanti madhyaṁ sa uttamo yo'bhiratastrivarge।।12.165.40''</blockquote>Meaning: TRIVARGA namely Dharma, Artha and Kama are inseparable. All the three should be enjoyed harmoniously, omitting one or two is to be deprecated. [Mahabharata Shantiparva 167-40]<blockquote>दण्डः संरक्षते धर्मं तथैवार्यं जनाधिप । कामं संरक्षते दण्डस्त्रिवर्गो दण्ड उच्यते ।।१२.१५.३<ref>Mahabharata, Shanti Parva, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-12-%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5-015 Adhyaya 15]</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''daṇḍaḥ saṁrakṣate dharmaṁ tathaivāryaṁ janādhipa । kāmaṁ saṁrakṣate daṇḍastrivargo daṇḍa ucyate ।।12.15.3''</blockquote>Meaning: Punishment protects Dharma, Artha and Kama (the law, the lawful wealth and lawful desires of human beings) and hence it is called ‘Trivargarupa' (symbol of Dharma, Artha and Kama). [M.B.Shanti 15-3]
 
 
 
In KAUTILYA - Raja Sutra<blockquote>समं वा त्रिवर्गं सेवेत । धर्मार्थकामानां युगपत्समवाये । पूर्वाः पूर्वा गरीयान् ॥७</blockquote><blockquote>''samaṁ vā trivargaṁ seveta । dharmārthakāmānāṁ yugapatsamavāye । pūrvāḥ pūrvā garīyān ॥''</blockquote>Meaning: In the inseparable unit of Dharma, Artha and Kama the one mentioned earlier is superior. The Trivarga (Dharma, Artha and Kama) should be followed together.
 
 
 
<nowiki>He reiterates that ‘Trivarga’ should be followed for ensuring peace, welfare and happiness of the people. [Kautilya- p. 22 :(p 24S)]</nowiki><ref name=":0" />
 
 
 
A careful study of all our ancient works on polity incorporated as part of Rajadharma (Constitutional Law) in Ramayana, Mahabharata, Manu Smriti, Kautilyas Arthasastra, Kamandaka Nitisara and Nitivakyamrita etc., shows that all of them unanimously lay down that the fundamental duty of the State is to ensure that both the rulers and the ruled shall acquire wealth (Artha) and fulfill their desires (Kama) without violating the rules of Dharma, which is the “TRIVARGA” doctrine. Thus, Trivarga with Dharma as the controlling factor is the most important element of basic structure of our Rajaneeti from times immemorial.
 
 
 
=== Ideal for the State and Individuals ===
 
There was no difference between the ideals kept before the State by Rajadharma and those enshrined in the hearts of individuals through the Shrutis and other words on Dharma.
 
 
 
The ideals placed before the individual, for purposes of welfare and happiness of himself and all others in this World, were Dharma, Artha and Kama [Trivarga or the three Purusharthas]. Every individual was asked to reject Artha and Kama [material wealth and desires] if they were in conflict with Dharma. The ultimate goal or ideal enshrined in the hearts of all undoubtedly was Moksha, which every individual was enjoined to strive for i.e., liberation from the bondage of the cycle of birth and death and to secure union with the creator or, in other words, to reach heaven, which idea is philosophical in nature and, therefore, not germane to this topic. The ideals of Rajadharma placed before the State were to assist and support the achievement by individuals of the threefold ideals [Trivarga].
 
 
 
In this regard, the Barhaspatya Sutra says,<blockquote>नीतेः फलं धर्मार्थकामावाप्तिः ॥ 2.43 ॥{{Citation needed}} ''nīteḥ phalaṁ dharmārthakāmāvāptiḥ ॥'' 2.43 ''॥''</blockquote>Meaning: The goal of polity (Rajaniti) is the fulfillment of Dharma, Artha and Kama.
 
 
 
It further adds that Artha (the wealth) and Kama (desire) must stand the test of Dharma. Kautilya declares that a king must strive for the achievement of Trivarga. Kamandakiya, after an elaborate discussion of the seven constituents of the State, concludes thus:-<blockquote>गृहीतमेतत्रिपुणेन मन्त्रिणा त्रिवर्गनिष्पत्तिमुपैति शाश्वतीम् || 4.7 ||{{Citation needed}}</blockquote><blockquote>''gr̥hītametatripuṇena mantriṇā trivarganiṣpattimupaiti śāśvatīm || 4.7 ||''</blockquote>Meaning: The state administered with the assistance of wise ministers secures the three goals (Trivarga) in an enduring manner.<ref name=":6">M.Rama Jois (2004), Trivarga, Mumbai: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.</ref>
 
  
After a through discussion of the topic Mahamahopadhyaya Dr. Panduranga Vamana Kane states :
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However, the legitimacy of both Artha and Kama depended on both conforming in entirety to Dharma. Every individual was asked to reject Artha (material wealth) and Kama (desires) if they were in conflict with Dharma. And when the Trivarga is balanced, it is known to enrich life, filling it with a sense of fulfillment.<ref name=":0" />
  
“The goal of the State was deemed to be enable men to attain the four Purushasthas, particularly the first three, [as the last viz, Moksha depended only upon individual philosophical insight and mystical experience and was attainable only by a microscopic number]. Even the Barhaspatya Sutra [II-43 ] says that the fruit of polity was the attainment of Dharma, Artha and Kama. Somadeva begins his Nitivakyamrita in a characteristic way when he performs obeisance to Rajya [the State ] which yields the three fruits of Dharma, Artha and Kama.
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== त्रिवर्गसिद्धान्तः ॥ Trivarga Siddhanta ==
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Bharatiya tattvajnana considers ‘Kama’ and ‘Artha’, the means to fulfilment of desires, as valid human pursuits. But it considers ‘Lobha’ (greed) and ‘Moha’ (delusion) arising from unchecked desires as unethical because they incline to work against social interests. To restrain these two pursuits from becoming anti-social, Bharatiya tattvajnana presents a third vital human pursuit namely, 'Dharma'. It is Dharma that helps all people to have the opportunity of experiencing maximum sensual satisfaction by acquisition of wealth and other material objects through right actions. Sri Krishna also, in the Bhagavad Gita, endorses the validity of only that Kama which is unopposed to Dharma.<ref name=":0">M.Rama Jois (2004), Trivarga, Mumbai: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.</ref> He says,<blockquote>धर्माविरुद्धो भूतेषु कामोऽस्मि भरतर्षभ ॥७.११॥<ref>Bhagavad Gita, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9E%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9E%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83 Chapter 7].</ref> ''dharmāviruddho bhūteṣu kāmo'smi bharatarṣabha ॥7.11॥''</blockquote>Meaning: I am that Kama (Sensual desire) in all beings, which is not opposed to Dharma.  
  
The Dharmasastra authors held that Dharma was the supreme power in the State and was above the king, who was only the instrument to realize the goal of Dharma”.
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Thus, the pursuit of satisfaction of desires and earning of money should be disciplined and regulated by an ethical sense, so that all persons in a society may get the opportunity to satisfy their urge for them.<ref name=":0" />
  
Acharya Somadeva in his Nitivakyamrita, written around 1000 AD stresses the importance of enforcement of Trivarga by the State in the following words:-
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In fact, [[Manusmrti (मनुस्मृतिः)|Manusmrti]] discusses the merits of pure materialism (Artha and Kama) as also of mere spiritualism (Dharma without Artha) and concludes that it is the combination of Dharma, Artha and Kama that secures welfare and happiness with an overriding principle that desire (kama) and material wealth (artha) should be rejected if they are inconsistent with Dharma and calls this doctrine Trivarga.<ref name=":2" /> It says,  <blockquote>धर्माथावुच्यते श्रेयः कामार्थो धर्म एव च । अर्थ एवेह वा श्रेयस्त्रिवर्ग इति तु स्थितिः ॥ २.२२४ ॥<ref>Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Chapter 2].</ref></blockquote><blockquote>परित्यजेदर्थकामौ यौ स्यातां धर्मवर्जितौ । ४.१७६ ।<ref name=":1">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Chapter 4].</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''dharmāthāvucyate śreyaḥ kāmārtho dharma eva ca । artha eveha vā śreyastrivarga iti tu sthitiḥ ॥ 2.224 ॥''</blockquote><blockquote>''parityajedarthakāmau yau syātāṁ dharmavarjitau । 4.176 ।''</blockquote>Meaning:
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* To achieve welfare and happiness some declare Dharma and Artha are good, others declare that Artha and Kama are better, still others declare that Dharma is the best. There are also people who declare Artha alone secures happiness. But the correct view is that Trivarga, the aggregate of Dharma, Artha and Kama secures welfare and happiness.
  
अथ धर्माय काम फलाय राज्याय नमः ।
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* Wealth (artha) and desires (kama) which are contrary to Dharma (righteous code of conduct) should be rejected.
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The same view is conveyed in the [[Mahabharata (महाभारतम्)|Mahabharata]] (Shanti Parva). It says, <blockquote>धर्मार्थकामाः सममेव सेव्या यो ह्येकभक्तः स नरो जघन्यः। द्वयोस्तु दक्षं प्रवदन्ति मध्यं स उत्तमो योऽभिरतस्त्रिवर्गे ।।१२.१६५.४०<ref>Mahabharata, Shanti Parva, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-12-%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5-165 Adhyaya 165]</ref> </blockquote><blockquote>''dharmārthakāmāḥ samameva sevyā yo hyekabhaktaḥ sa naro jaghanyaḥ।''  </blockquote><blockquote>''dvayostu dakṣaṁ pravadanti madhyaṁ sa uttamo yo'bhiratastrivarge।।12.165.40'' </blockquote>Meaning: Trivarga namely, Dharma, Artha and Kama are inseparable. All the three should be enjoyed harmoniously, omitting one or two is to be detested.
  
Meaning: My Salutation to the State, which ensures acquiring of wealth and fulfillment of desires without violating Dharma.
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Kautiliya [[Arthashastra (अर्थशास्त्रम्)|Arthashastra]] further states that in the inseparable unit of Dharma, Artha and Kama the one mentioned earlier is superior and reiterates that the Trivarga should be followed together.  <blockquote>समं वा त्रिवर्गं सेवेत । धर्मार्थकामानां युगपत्समवाये । पूर्वाः पूर्वा गरीयान् ॥<ref name=":0" /></blockquote><blockquote>''samaṁ vā trivargaṁ seveta । dharmārthakāmānāṁ yugapatsamavāye । pūrvāḥ pūrvā garīyān ॥''</blockquote>Thus, the Trivarga doctrine strikes a harmonious balance between the interests of the individual and society. And is therefore, most beneficial for the welfare of the individual and society.<ref name=":2" />
  
All of them warn that mere acquisition of Artha Wealth or Money i.e., economic prosperity and fulfillment of desires disregarding dharma, is sure to result in disaster, such as moral degradation, rampant corruption and large scale commission of offences.
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== शासकशासितधर्मः ॥ Dharma of the Rulers and the Ruled ==
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Propounders of Dharma realised that fulfillment of human desires was essential to secure happiness but were of the opinion that unless the desires were regulated by Dharma, they would bring about undesirable results.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" />Therefore, the doctrine of Trivarga was evolved to secure happiness to all without discrimination and in an enduring manner. In fact, the [[Ramayana (रामायणम्)|Ramayana]], Mahabharata, Manusmrti, Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Brhaspati Smrti, Somadeva’s Nitivakyamrta, Kamandaka's Nitisara all unanimously declare that the rule of Trivarga should be followed by both, the rulers and the ruled and that alone is a guarantee for peace and happiness of human beings. There was no difference between the ideals kept before the State by [[Raja Dharma (राजधर्मः)|Raja Dharma]] and those enshrined in the hearts of individuals through the [[Shruti (श्रुतिः)|Shrutis]] and other works on Dharma. The ideals placed before the individual, for purposes of welfare and happiness of himself and all others in this World, were Dharma, Artha and Kama (Trivarga or the three Purusharthas). While, the ideals of Raja Dharma placed before the State were to assist and support the achievement by individuals of the threefold ideals (Trivarga). Thus, the doctrine of Trivarga is referred to as an enduring system of values that holds good in the social, political, domestic and international planes of human business. And thus, has been the guiding principle for both, the rulers and the ruled.<ref name=":0" />
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=== राजनीत्याः आधारः ॥ Basis for Rajaniti ===
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The view that Trivarga is the basic structure of the Bharatiya social and political system is unanimously expressed in all the important ancient works on polity incorporated as part of Raja Dharma in the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Manusmrti, Kautilya's Arthashastra, Kamandaka's Nitisara, Somadeva’s Nitivakyamrita etc. A careful study of these granthas shows that all of them lay down the fundamental duty of the State as 'ensuring both the rulers and the ruled acquire wealth (Artha) and fulfill their desires (Kama) without violating the rules of Dharma, which is the “Trivarga” doctrine'. Thus, Trivarga with Dharma as the controlling factor has been the most important element of the basic structure of Bharatiya Rajaniti from times immemorial.
  
Whatever be the system of government, it could become a good government provided those who exercise the power are good. It depends upon their quality. These qualities have been specified as part of Rajadharma in conformity with the doctrine of Trivarga. (refer Raja Dharma article).<ref name=":0" />
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In fact, the Barhaspatya Sutra declares that the goal of polity (Rajaniti) is the fulfillment of Dharma, Artha and Kama. <blockquote>नीतेः फलं धर्मार्थकामावाप्तिः ॥ 2.43 ॥{{Citation needed}} ''nīteḥ phalaṁ dharmārthakāmāvāptiḥ ॥'' 2.43 ''॥''</blockquote>And Kamandakiya Nitisara, after an elaborate discussion on the seven constituents of the State, concludes that it is the state that is administered with the assistance of wise ministers that secures the three goals (Trivarga) in an enduring manner.<blockquote>गृहीतमेतत्रिपुणेन मन्त्रिणा त्रिवर्गनिष्पत्तिमुपैति शाश्वतीम् || 4.7 ||{{Citation needed}}</blockquote><blockquote>''gr̥hītametatripuṇena mantriṇā trivarganiṣpattimupaiti śāśvatīm || 4.7 ||''</blockquote>While Mahabharata calls Danda that is representative of Raja's regulatory powers as ‘Trivarga Rupa' since it protects Trivarga ie. Dharma, Artha and Kama (the law, lawful wealth and lawful desires of human beings).<ref name=":0" /><blockquote>दण्डः संरक्षते धर्मं तथैवार्यं जनाधिप । कामं संरक्षते दण्डस्त्रिवर्गो दण्ड उच्यते ।।१२.१५.३<ref>Mahabharata, Shanti Parva, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-12-%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5-015 Adhyaya 15]</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''daṇḍaḥ saṁrakṣate dharmaṁ tathaivāryaṁ janādhipa । kāmaṁ saṁrakṣate daṇḍastrivargo daṇḍa ucyate ।।12.15.3''</blockquote>Thus, the essence of Raja Dharma is that the Ruler must conform to rule of Trivarga.<blockquote>त्रिवर्ग फल भोक्ता च राजा धर्मेण युज्यते । ४.३८.२३ ।<ref>Ramayana, Kishkindha Kanda, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A9%E0%A5%AE Sarga 38]</ref> ''trivarga phala bhoktā ca rājā dharmeṇa yujyate । 4.38.23 ।''</blockquote>Kautilya also declares that a Raja must strive for the achievement of Trivarga. In fact, Acharya Somadeva in his Nitivakyamrita goes on to offer his salutations to the State for ensuring acquisition of wealth and fulfillment of desires without violating Dharma. This stresses on the important role played by the State in the enforcement of the Trivarga.  <blockquote>अथ धर्माय काम फलाय राज्याय नमः । ''atha dharmāya kāma phalāya rājyāya namaḥ ।'' </blockquote>Thus, all the [[Acharya (आचार्यः)|acharyas]] through their granthas warn that mere acquisition of Artha i.e. economic prosperity and fulfillment of desires disregarding dharma, is sure to result in disaster, such as moral degradation, rampant corruption and large scale commission of offences. Therefore, whatever be the system of government, it could become a good government provided those who exercise the power are good. It depended upon their quality. And hence, these qualities have been specified as part of Raja Dharma in conformity with the doctrine of Trivarga.<ref name=":0" />
  
 
== कौटुम्बिकजीवनस्य आधारः ॥ Foundation of Family Life ==
 
== कौटुम्बिकजीवनस्य आधारः ॥ Foundation of Family Life ==
The sanctity attached to the relationship of the husband and wife brought about by Vivaha (marriage) and the inseparability of their relationship was the firm foundation laid by the propounders of Dharma, on which the social life was constructed. This again was founded on the doctrine of Trivarga.
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Bharatiya social life was constructed on the firm foundation of the sanctity and inseparability of the husband and wife relationship laid down by the propounders of Dharma by means of the [[Vivaha (विवाहः)|Vivaha Samskara]]. The object and purpose of Vivaha or marriage was declared in the [[Dharmashastras (धर्मशास्त्राणि)|Dharmashastras]] as the fulfillment of the threefold ideals of life, ie. Dharma, Artha and Kama. The sum and substance of these three goals was that the husband and the wife, remaining loyal to each other throughout their life, should restrain their desire (kama) for material pleasure, wealth and prosperity (Artha) by Dharma (righteous rules of conduct) and should share the happiness and misery and discharge their prescribed duties towards the family and society throughout their life.
 
 
Vivaha (marriage) was one of the most important of the several ‘samskaras’ (sacraments) prescribed by Dharmasastras for the individual. The object and purpose of marriage was declared in the Dharmasastras by the  propounders of Dharma after deep thought and consideration. They stressed that coming together of a man and woman was necessary for the fulfillment of the threefold ideals of life, ie., Dharma, Artha and Kama. The sum and substance of these three goals was that the husband and the wife, remaining loyal to each other throughout their life, should restrain their desire (kama) for material pleasure, wealth and prosperity (Artha) by Dharma (righteous rules of conduct) and should share the happiness and misery and discharge their prescribed duties towards the family and society throughout their life.
 
 
 
This is highlighted by a promise which a bridegroom was required to make while undergoing the vivaha Samskara. While giving the girl in marriage, the father, or in his absence the guardian, addresses the bridegroom with the following words:
 
 
 
धर्मेचार्थे च कामे च नातिचरितव्या त्वयेयम् ॥
 
 
 
Meaning: You shall not transgress Dharma in the attainment of Artha and Kama.
 
 
 
The bridegroom accepts the condition with these words:
 
 
 
नातिचरामि ॥
 
 
 
Meaning: I shall not transgress Dharma, in matters of Artha and Kama.
 
 
 
The promise taken indicates that the purpose of marriage was the fulfillment of Trivarga doctrine throughout the life of husband and wife. In order to impress upon the minds of the bride and bridegroom about the sanctity and permanence of marriage bond and to make them to commit publicly, in the presence of relatives and guests, that they would fulfill the obligations of married life towards the society vivaha was prescribed as a Samskara. This is one of the most important and basic aspects of the social system based on Dharma. It was regarded as the foundation of family life. After marriage  the husband and the wife would enter the stage in life, which was called ‘“Grihasthashrama” (Householder) ie., family life, during which it was the duty of every family to discharge its social obligation. The husband and the wife were together required to observe a code of conduct, and they had to discharge their responsibility jointly. In particular, they were together required to discharge four pious obligations namely;
 
# towards the God
 
# towards parents
 
# towards teacher
 
# towards humanity
 
The relevant verse in the Mahabharata where these four pious obligations have been indicated are in Adi Parva (Adhyaya 120.17-20). It says,<blockquote>ऋणैश्चतुर्भिः संयुक्ता जायन्ते मानवा भुवि | पितृदेवर्षिमनुजैर्देयं तेभ्यश्च धर्मतः ||</blockquote><blockquote>r̥ṇaiścaturbhiḥ saṁyuktā jāyante mānavā bhuvi | pitr̥devarṣimanujairdeyaṁ tebhyaśca dharmataḥ ||</blockquote>Meaning: Every individual should discharge four pious obligations. They are Deva Rna (towards the Supreme Being), Pitru Rna (towards parents), Rishi Rna (towards teachers) and Manava Rna (towards humanity).
 
 
 
It also indicated the method by which the four pious obligations are to be discharged.<blockquote>यज्ञैस्तु देवान् प्रीणाति स्वाध्यायतपसा मुनीन् | पुत्रैः श्राद्धैः पितृंश्चापि आनृशंस्येन मानवान् ||</blockquote><blockquote>yajñaistu devān prīṇāti svādhyāyatapasā munīn | putraiḥ śrāddhaiḥ pitr̥ṁścāpi ānr̥śaṁsyena mānavān ||</blockquote>Meaning: One should discharge Pitru Rna by maintaining continuity of the family, Deva Rna by worship of the Supreme, Rishi Rna by the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge and Manava Rna by every type of social service.<ref name=":2" />
 
 
 
This could be discharged by husband and wife only by living together with mutual love and fidelity throughout their life which is the sum and substance of dharma of husband and wife. To impress upon every couple this aspect Manusmriti Ch.-[X -101 and III-60 declared thus:
 
 
 
अन्योन्यस्याव्यभिचारो भवेदामरणान्तिकः । एष धर्मः समासेन ज्ञेयः स्त्रीपुंसयोः परः । । ९.१०१ । ।<ref>Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 9]</ref>
 
 
 
संतुष्टो भार्यया भर्ता भर्त्रा भार्या तथैव च । यस्मिन्नेव कुले नित्यं कल्याणं तत्र वै ध्रुवम् । । ३.६० । ।<ref>Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 3]</ref>
 
 
 
Meaning: Mutual friendship and fidelity is the highest Dharma to be observed by husband and wife, throughout their life.
 
 
 
The family in which husband and wife have mutual affection and respect always secures happiness and prosperity.
 
 
 
The validity and utility of the directive for all and its eternal value are unexceptionable. The observance of the above directive throughout life by the husband and the wife is not only conducive to happiness and harmony in family life, but also essential for national or social life.
 
 
 
It is also pertinent to point out that the great importance attached to family life, as constituting the social edifice, and as a basic unit on which the strength of a nation depends, which was regarded as part of dharma, has been recognized by the United Nations under article 23(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, adopted by the General Assembly on 16th December 1966. It reads:
 
 
 
The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.
 
 
 
The above article is a clear recognition of the efficacy and necessity of the Dharma of the husband and the wife evolved in this land from the most ancient times as the foundation of social life.<ref name=":0" />
 
 
 
== Trivarga and Human Rights ==
 
Bharatiya values regarding human rights evolved on the basis of Trivarga perhaps have the oldest pedigree. Rigveda which is regarded as the oldest document, declares that all human beings are equal and they are brothers. The Atharvana Veda declared that all human beings have equal right over water and food [natural resources]. The Vedas including Upanishads [Shruti] were the primordial source of ‘Dharma’ which is a compendious term for all the human rights and duties, the observance of which was regarded as essential for securing peace and happiness to individuals and the society as well. The duty to conform to Dharma in acquisition of wealth and fulfillment of desires, has been the injunction of Trivarga to all, which was intended to protect the basic human rights of all.
 
  
This aspect is pointed out by the Supreme Court of India thus:
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The promise given by the bridegroom while undergoing the Vivaha Samskara highlights that the purpose of marriage was the fulfillment of Trivarga doctrine throughout their life as husband and wife. In fact, Vivaha was prescribed as a [[Samskaras (संस्काराः)|Samskara]] so as to impress upon the minds of the bride and bridegroom the sanctity and permanence of the marriage bond and also to make them to commit publicly, in the presence of relatives and guests, that they would fulfill the obligations of married life towards the society. Because, after marriage husband and wife enter the stage of family life or [[Grhasthashrama (गृहस्थाश्रमः)|Grhasthashrama]] (Householder) during which it was the duty of every family to discharge its social obligation. The husband and wife were together required to observe a code of conduct and jointly discharge their social responsibilities. In particular, they were required to discharge together four pious obligations towards,
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# the Supreme being
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# Parents
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# Teacher
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# Humanity
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This is indicated in the Adi Parva (Adhyaya 120.17-20) of the Mahabharata as follows, <blockquote>ऋणैश्चतुर्भिः संयुक्ता जायन्ते मानवा भुवि | पितृदेवर्षिमनुजैर्देयं तेभ्यश्च धर्मतः || </blockquote><blockquote>r̥ṇaiścaturbhiḥ saṁyuktā jāyante mānavā bhuvi | pitr̥devarṣimanujairdeyaṁ tebhyaśca dharmataḥ ||</blockquote>Meaning: Every individual should discharge [[Rna (ऋणम्)|four pious obligations]]. They are Deva Rna (towards the Supreme Being), Pitru Rna (towards parents), Rishi Rna (towards teachers) and Manava Rna (towards humanity).
  
“These fundamental rights represent the basic values cherished by the people of this Country since the Vedic times and they are calculated to protect the dignity of the individual and create conditions in which every human being can develop his personality to the fullest extent.
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In fact the method by which these four pious obligations are to be discharged are also indicated. It is said,<blockquote>यज्ञैस्तु देवान् प्रीणाति स्वाध्यायतपसा मुनीन् | पुत्रैः श्राद्धैः पितृंश्चापि आनृशंस्येन मानवान् ||</blockquote><blockquote>yajñaistu devān prīṇāti svādhyāyatapasā munīn | putraiḥ śrāddhaiḥ pitr̥ṁścāpi ānr̥śaṁsyena mānavān ||</blockquote>Meaning: One should discharge Pitru Rna by maintaining continuity of the family, Deva Rna by worship of the Supreme, Rishi Rna by the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge and Manava Rna by every type of social service.<ref name=":2" />
  
=== Duty based rights ===
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This could be discharged by the husband and wife only by living together with mutual love and fidelity throughout their life. This is indeed the crux of Dampatya Dharma (the dharma of a husband and wife). And thus, Manusmriti declares that mutual friendship and fidelity is the highest Dharma to be observed by husband and wife, throughout their life. For, the family in which husband and wife have mutual affection and respect always secures happiness and prosperity.<blockquote>अन्योन्यस्याव्यभिचारो भवेदामरणान्तिकः । एष धर्मः समासेन ज्ञेयः स्त्रीपुंसयोः परः । । ९.१०१ । ।<ref>Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 9]</ref></blockquote><blockquote>संतुष्टो भार्यया भर्ता भर्त्रा भार्या तथैव च । यस्मिन्नेव कुले नित्यं कल्याणं तत्र वै ध्रुवम् । । ३.६० । ।<ref>Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 3]</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''anyonyasyāvyabhicāro bhavedāmaraṇāntikaḥ । eṣa dharmaḥ samāsena jñeyaḥ strīpuṁsayoḥ paraḥ । । 9.101 । ।''</blockquote><blockquote>''saṁtuṣṭo bhāryayā bhartā bhartrā bhāryā tathaiva ca । yasminneva kule nityaṁ kalyāṇaṁ tatra vai dhruvam । । 3.60 । ।'' </blockquote>Also, observance of this directive throughout life by the wedded couple is not only conducive to happiness and harmony in family life, but also essential for national or social life. Therefore, Vivaha (marriage), founded on the doctrine of Trivarga, was one of the most important of the several ‘samskaras’ (sacraments) prescribed by Dharmashastras to be performed during the lifetime of an individual. It was regarded as the foundation of family life. So much so, that the great importance attached to family life, as constituting the social edifice, and as a basic unit on which the strength of a nation depends, has been recognized by the United Nations as part of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights adopted by the General Assembly. And therefore, it entitles the natural and fundamental group unit of society ie. the family to protection by society and State. This is a clear recognition of the efficacy and necessity of the Dampatya Dharma evolved in this land from the most ancient times based on the doctrine of Trivarga as the foundation of social life.<ref name=":0" />
The unique method evolved by the great thinkers who moulded the civilization and culture of India was to secure the rights to every individual by creating a corresponding duty in other individuals. This was, for the reason that they considered that sense of right always emanates from selfishness whereas the sense of duty always generates selflessness. Therefore, every kind of right evolved which became the value of Bharatiya culture was based on the duty of every individual towards other — individuals. For example,
 
* the duty of parents towards their children, and the duty of sons and/or daughters as the case may be to maintain their parents in old age, and  
 
* duty of teachers towards their students, duty of students towards their teachers,
 
* duty of every individual in a family towards other individuals in the family and other members of the concerned human society,
 
* duty of the State towards citizens, duty of the citizens towards the State,
 
were all created to protect the basic human rights. The creation of a duty in one individual necessarily resulted in the creation of right in other individual and the protection of such right.
 
  
Therefore, instead of making right as the foundation of social life and establish a right based society, the ancient philosophers of this land preferred to establish a duty-based society where the right given to an individual is the right to perform his duty.
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== मानवीयाधिकाराणाम् आधारः ॥ Basis of Human Rights ==
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{{Main article|Trivarga and Human Rights (त्रिवर्गाधारिताः मानवीयाधिकाराः)}}
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[[Vedas (वेदाः)|Vedas]] including the [[Upanishads (उपनिषदः)|Upanishads]] (Shruti) were the primordial source of ‘Dharma’ which is a compendious term for all the human rights and duties, the observance of which was regarded as essential for securing peace and happiness to individuals as well as the society. The duty to conform to Dharma in acquisition of wealth and fulfillment of desires, has been the injunction of Trivarga to all, which was intended to protect the basic human rights of all. In fact, Bharatiya values regarding human rights evolved on the basis of Trivarga perhaps have the oldest ancestry. And the fundamental rights recognised by the Indian Constitution that intend to protect the dignity of the individual and create conditions in which every human being can develop his personality to the fullest extent represent the basic values cherished by the people of Bharata since Vedic times.
  
This Right is worthy of being included in the universal declaration of human rights. This is the basic value of life evolved through Vedic and other literature, which is incorporated in the most popular and significant declaration in Bhagvadgeetha [Ch-II] which reads:-
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=== कर्तव्याधारिताः अधिकाराः ॥ Duty based Rights ===
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The unique method, evolved by the great thinkers who moulded the civilization and culture of [[Bharatavarsha (भरतवर्षम्)|Bharata]], was to secure the rights of every individual by creating a corresponding duty in other individuals. Because they considered that the sense of right always emanates from selfishness whereas the sense of duty always generates selflessness. Therefore, every kind of right that became a value in Bharatiya culture was based on the duty of every individual towards other individuals. For example, the following duties were all created to protect basic human rights viz.  
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* duty of parents towards their children and the duty of children to maintain their parents in old age
 +
* duty of teachers towards their students and duty of students towards their teachers
 +
* duty of every individual in a family towards other individuals in the family and other members of the concerned human society
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* duty of the State towards citizens and duty of the citizens towards the State
 +
In fact, creation of a duty in one individual necessarily resulted in the creation of right in other individual and the protection of such right. Therefore, instead of making right as the foundation of social life and establishing a right based society, the ancient philosophers of Bharata preferred to establish a duty-based society where the right given to an individual is the right to perform his duty.<ref name=":0" />
  
“Karmanyevadhikaraste”
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The rights that evolved as part of the duty-based Bharatiya value system, recognised and bestowed on every individual, are as follows: 
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* '''Right to Happiness'''
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It is the natural desire of all human beings to be happy at every stage and in every aspect of life. Therefore, happiness has been recognised as a right in the Bharatiya culture since ancient times. In fact, “right to happiness” is a compendious expression that includes every kind of specific human right, the fulfillment of which intends to secure happiness. And the doctrine of Trivarga with Dharma as controlling factor was evolved to secure this right to happiness for all without any exception. Thus, this is the most important and comprehensive human right. And the declaration of this Right as a basic human right is rather, a mark of distinction of Bharatiya values of human rights.<ref name=":0" />
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* '''Right to Equality'''
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Right to equality (Samanata) is perhaps the most valuable right, without which happiness is impossible. The Vedas which constitute the primordial [[Sources of Dharma (धर्मस्थानानि)|source of Dharma]] declared the charter of equality. [[Rigveda (ऋग्वेदः)|Rigveda]] declared that all are brothers, that no one is inferior or superior. Similarly, the verse in [[Atharvaveda (अथर्ववेदः)|Atharvanaveda]] declared that all have equal right over natural resources and all were equally important as spokes in a wheel. This declaration of equality found incorporated in the Rigveda, the most ancient of the Vedas, and also in the Atharvanaveda from times immemorial is very much similar to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights made in 1948. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to note that right to equality was made a part of “Dharma” long before even the State came to be established.<ref name=":0" />
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* '''Right to Education'''
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Bharatiya civilisation recognises education as one of the pious obligations of the human society. It is by way of creating the pious obligation of Rishi Rna, that emphasizes on acquisition and dissemination of knowledge, that the human right to education of every individual was sought to be created and protected. This has been discharged by Rishis in ancient Bharata by establishing [[Gurukula (गुरुकुलम्)|Gurukulas]]. And the State used to support, respect and honour the Rishis who discharged such an important pious obligation.
  
“Your right is to perform your duty”
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Moreover, the human right to education is also aimed at securing happiness. Therefore, education should not be confined to literacy. Rather, its aim should be all-round development of personality ie. intellectual, mental, moral and physical so as to make an individual an asset to the human society. This aspect is highlighted in the chapter of education, Shikshavalli (Lesson eight) in the Taittiriyopanishad. It adds further more that the real happiness and prosperity of any Nation is directly proportional to the number of such kind of people it has produced, through proper education which secures all round development and personality of all its individuals.<ref name=":0" />
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* '''Right to protection'''
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Manusmrti declares that the highest duty of a Raja is to protect his people. Thus, the right to protection of the people was sought to be secured by creating duties of the Rulers as part of Raja Dharma, the Constitutional Law of Ancient Bharata, that applied to all the Rulers who might be ruling in any part of the territory of Bharata. Kamandaka Nitisara also gives paramount importance to the duty of the Rajas to afford full protection against injustice to individual irrespective of whoever the person may be, who inflicted injury or was attempting to inflict injury.<ref name=":2" />This shows that law is supreme. And the Raja was duty-bound to give full protection to his people. There were also certain specific provisions like the duty to restore stolen property or to pay its value that throw considerable light on the importance given to the human right to protection.<ref name=":0" />
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* '''Right to practice any Religion'''
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The Indian Constitution confers the fundamental right to all to practice any religion of their choice. In the ancient times, this basic human right was sought to be protected by incorporating a specific rule in Raja Dharma to the effect that the State was under a duty to protect every religion without discrimination. The Narada Smrti states that the Raja is required to give equal protection not only to believers in the Supreme Being or Vedas, but also disbelievers. That is the width of freedom of thought, belief and faith recognised as the basic human right in Bharata, as part of Raja Dharma which is secularism par excellence.<ref name=":0" />
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* '''Right to Social Security'''
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All individuals do not possess the capacity or resources to lead a happy life. Many individuals suffer from abject poverty, want of education or earning capacity, physical or mental deformity, disease, old age, loss of earning member of the family etc. But all such individuals have the basic human right to happiness. This right is sought to be protected by creating duty in individuals on whom they depend as also on the State.
  
The great message of this verse is that every one Owes a duty towards others and he has the right to perform his duty. It is by this process the human rights were sought to be created and protected.
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The Mahabharata verse which declared rules of “Dharma” included in itself ''saṁvibhāga'' (sharing wealth with others) and ''bhr̥tyabharaṇa'' (the duty of an individual to maintain his dependents). Thus, instead of throwing the entire burden of social security on the exchequer (royal or national treasury), it is delineated to be borne by the earning member of a family. This duty, rooted in the two basic values of life namely selflessness and sacrifice, is perhaps is the best form of social security recognised and provided as a human right in Bharatiya civilization and culture.<ref name=":0" />
  
This basic attitude should be ingrained in all individual human beings since childhood and this attitude is sure to reduce conflicts quarrals and confrontation substantially.<ref name=":0" />
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=== मानवीयाधिकाराणां रक्षणम् ॥ Protection of human rights ===
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Human rights were regarded as sacrosanct in this land, since times immemorial. This is evidenced by the fact that even during and after winning wars, certain human rights were required to be respected and protected. These were enumerated in the form of rules of warfare and rules regarding the treatment and protection of the conquered people. In fact, protection of human rights was envisaged even when a person was apprehended by public servants for offences alleged to have been committed by him or even after conviction and sentenced to undergo imprisonment through right to humane treatment while in custody and in prison. And laying down of such humane rules is, indeed, a mark of the development and respect for human rights in the Bharatiya Parampara.  
  
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Thus, the various dimensions of the Trivarga Siddhanta discussed herein reiterates that restoration of the doctrine of trivarga alone is the panacea for all social and political maladies with which a Nation gets afflicted.<ref name=":0" />
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
 
<references />
 
<references />
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[[Category:Dharmas]]

Latest revision as of 23:32, 28 July 2021

Trivarga (Samskrit: त्रिवर्गः) refers to Dharma, Artha and Kama, the inseparable group of three ideals that forms the foundation for an ordered human society according to Bharatiya tattvajnana.[1] The Trivarga Siddhanta states that Dharma must control desires as well as the means of acquisition of wealth and deriving pleasure[2] thereby declaring the Supremacy of Dharma over

  • Artha - that refers to wealth and the desire for securing material pleasure and,
  • Kama - that includes every type of desire including the desire for securing wealth and all types of pleasure

This doctrine of Trivarga intends to strike a reasonable balance between the interests of the individual and public interest by which is meant the interests of all other individuals who constitute the society or Nation inclusive of the entire humanity. It is an invaluable and everlasting solution for all the problems of all human beings for all times to come and forms the sum and substance of the Bharatiya Philosophy of life.[1][2]

परिचयः ॥ Introduction

Vedic wisdom and the Bhagavad Gita that contains its essence, firmly indicate that the four Purusharthas when righteously observed are designed to fill every human existence with bliss. These Purusharthas are

  1. Dharma or Righteous Code of Conduct
  2. Artha that is, creation of wealth through righteous means
  3. Kama that refers to satisfaction of legitimate desires
  4. Moksha

Undoubtedly, the ultimate goal or ideal enshrined in the hearts of all was Moksha i.e. freedom from the bondage of the birth and death cycle and to secure union with the creator. And every individual was enjoined to strive for the same. However, the scriptures term the first three Purusharthas specifically, as Trivarga. For, Dharma, Artha and Kama are like the three legs of a stool. The absence of anyone of them would render life to be futile. While the idea of moksha, being philosophical in nature, is not included in the concept of Trivarga.

However, the legitimacy of both Artha and Kama depended on both conforming in entirety to Dharma. Every individual was asked to reject Artha (material wealth) and Kama (desires) if they were in conflict with Dharma. And when the Trivarga is balanced, it is known to enrich life, filling it with a sense of fulfillment.[1]

त्रिवर्गसिद्धान्तः ॥ Trivarga Siddhanta

Bharatiya tattvajnana considers ‘Kama’ and ‘Artha’, the means to fulfilment of desires, as valid human pursuits. But it considers ‘Lobha’ (greed) and ‘Moha’ (delusion) arising from unchecked desires as unethical because they incline to work against social interests. To restrain these two pursuits from becoming anti-social, Bharatiya tattvajnana presents a third vital human pursuit namely, 'Dharma'. It is Dharma that helps all people to have the opportunity of experiencing maximum sensual satisfaction by acquisition of wealth and other material objects through right actions. Sri Krishna also, in the Bhagavad Gita, endorses the validity of only that Kama which is unopposed to Dharma.[1] He says,

धर्माविरुद्धो भूतेषु कामोऽस्मि भरतर्षभ ॥७.११॥[3] dharmāviruddho bhūteṣu kāmo'smi bharatarṣabha ॥7.11॥

Meaning: I am that Kama (Sensual desire) in all beings, which is not opposed to Dharma.

Thus, the pursuit of satisfaction of desires and earning of money should be disciplined and regulated by an ethical sense, so that all persons in a society may get the opportunity to satisfy their urge for them.[1]

In fact, Manusmrti discusses the merits of pure materialism (Artha and Kama) as also of mere spiritualism (Dharma without Artha) and concludes that it is the combination of Dharma, Artha and Kama that secures welfare and happiness with an overriding principle that desire (kama) and material wealth (artha) should be rejected if they are inconsistent with Dharma and calls this doctrine Trivarga.[2] It says,

धर्माथावुच्यते श्रेयः कामार्थो धर्म एव च । अर्थ एवेह वा श्रेयस्त्रिवर्ग इति तु स्थितिः ॥ २.२२४ ॥[4]

परित्यजेदर्थकामौ यौ स्यातां धर्मवर्जितौ । ४.१७६ ।[5]

dharmāthāvucyate śreyaḥ kāmārtho dharma eva ca । artha eveha vā śreyastrivarga iti tu sthitiḥ ॥ 2.224 ॥

parityajedarthakāmau yau syātāṁ dharmavarjitau । 4.176 ।

Meaning:

  • To achieve welfare and happiness some declare Dharma and Artha are good, others declare that Artha and Kama are better, still others declare that Dharma is the best. There are also people who declare Artha alone secures happiness. But the correct view is that Trivarga, the aggregate of Dharma, Artha and Kama secures welfare and happiness.
  • Wealth (artha) and desires (kama) which are contrary to Dharma (righteous code of conduct) should be rejected.

The same view is conveyed in the Mahabharata (Shanti Parva). It says,

धर्मार्थकामाः सममेव सेव्या यो ह्येकभक्तः स नरो जघन्यः। द्वयोस्तु दक्षं प्रवदन्ति मध्यं स उत्तमो योऽभिरतस्त्रिवर्गे ।।१२.१६५.४०[6]

dharmārthakāmāḥ samameva sevyā yo hyekabhaktaḥ sa naro jaghanyaḥ।

dvayostu dakṣaṁ pravadanti madhyaṁ sa uttamo yo'bhiratastrivarge।।12.165.40

Meaning: Trivarga namely, Dharma, Artha and Kama are inseparable. All the three should be enjoyed harmoniously, omitting one or two is to be detested. Kautiliya Arthashastra further states that in the inseparable unit of Dharma, Artha and Kama the one mentioned earlier is superior and reiterates that the Trivarga should be followed together.

समं वा त्रिवर्गं सेवेत । धर्मार्थकामानां युगपत्समवाये । पूर्वाः पूर्वा गरीयान् ॥[1]

samaṁ vā trivargaṁ seveta । dharmārthakāmānāṁ yugapatsamavāye । pūrvāḥ pūrvā garīyān ॥

Thus, the Trivarga doctrine strikes a harmonious balance between the interests of the individual and society. And is therefore, most beneficial for the welfare of the individual and society.[2]

शासकशासितधर्मः ॥ Dharma of the Rulers and the Ruled

Propounders of Dharma realised that fulfillment of human desires was essential to secure happiness but were of the opinion that unless the desires were regulated by Dharma, they would bring about undesirable results.[1][2]Therefore, the doctrine of Trivarga was evolved to secure happiness to all without discrimination and in an enduring manner. In fact, the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Manusmrti, Kautilya’s Arthashastra, Brhaspati Smrti, Somadeva’s Nitivakyamrta, Kamandaka's Nitisara all unanimously declare that the rule of Trivarga should be followed by both, the rulers and the ruled and that alone is a guarantee for peace and happiness of human beings. There was no difference between the ideals kept before the State by Raja Dharma and those enshrined in the hearts of individuals through the Shrutis and other works on Dharma. The ideals placed before the individual, for purposes of welfare and happiness of himself and all others in this World, were Dharma, Artha and Kama (Trivarga or the three Purusharthas). While, the ideals of Raja Dharma placed before the State were to assist and support the achievement by individuals of the threefold ideals (Trivarga). Thus, the doctrine of Trivarga is referred to as an enduring system of values that holds good in the social, political, domestic and international planes of human business. And thus, has been the guiding principle for both, the rulers and the ruled.[1]

राजनीत्याः आधारः ॥ Basis for Rajaniti

The view that Trivarga is the basic structure of the Bharatiya social and political system is unanimously expressed in all the important ancient works on polity incorporated as part of Raja Dharma in the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Manusmrti, Kautilya's Arthashastra, Kamandaka's Nitisara, Somadeva’s Nitivakyamrita etc. A careful study of these granthas shows that all of them lay down the fundamental duty of the State as 'ensuring both the rulers and the ruled acquire wealth (Artha) and fulfill their desires (Kama) without violating the rules of Dharma, which is the “Trivarga” doctrine'. Thus, Trivarga with Dharma as the controlling factor has been the most important element of the basic structure of Bharatiya Rajaniti from times immemorial.

In fact, the Barhaspatya Sutra declares that the goal of polity (Rajaniti) is the fulfillment of Dharma, Artha and Kama.

नीतेः फलं धर्मार्थकामावाप्तिः ॥ 2.43 ॥[citation needed] nīteḥ phalaṁ dharmārthakāmāvāptiḥ ॥ 2.43

And Kamandakiya Nitisara, after an elaborate discussion on the seven constituents of the State, concludes that it is the state that is administered with the assistance of wise ministers that secures the three goals (Trivarga) in an enduring manner.

गृहीतमेतत्रिपुणेन मन्त्रिणा त्रिवर्गनिष्पत्तिमुपैति शाश्वतीम् || 4.7 ||[citation needed]

gr̥hītametatripuṇena mantriṇā trivarganiṣpattimupaiti śāśvatīm || 4.7 ||

While Mahabharata calls Danda that is representative of Raja's regulatory powers as ‘Trivarga Rupa' since it protects Trivarga ie. Dharma, Artha and Kama (the law, lawful wealth and lawful desires of human beings).[1]

दण्डः संरक्षते धर्मं तथैवार्यं जनाधिप । कामं संरक्षते दण्डस्त्रिवर्गो दण्ड उच्यते ।।१२.१५.३[7]

daṇḍaḥ saṁrakṣate dharmaṁ tathaivāryaṁ janādhipa । kāmaṁ saṁrakṣate daṇḍastrivargo daṇḍa ucyate ।।12.15.3

Thus, the essence of Raja Dharma is that the Ruler must conform to rule of Trivarga.

त्रिवर्ग फल भोक्ता च राजा धर्मेण युज्यते । ४.३८.२३ ।[8] trivarga phala bhoktā ca rājā dharmeṇa yujyate । 4.38.23 ।

Kautilya also declares that a Raja must strive for the achievement of Trivarga. In fact, Acharya Somadeva in his Nitivakyamrita goes on to offer his salutations to the State for ensuring acquisition of wealth and fulfillment of desires without violating Dharma. This stresses on the important role played by the State in the enforcement of the Trivarga.

अथ धर्माय काम फलाय राज्याय नमः । atha dharmāya kāma phalāya rājyāya namaḥ ।

Thus, all the acharyas through their granthas warn that mere acquisition of Artha i.e. economic prosperity and fulfillment of desires disregarding dharma, is sure to result in disaster, such as moral degradation, rampant corruption and large scale commission of offences. Therefore, whatever be the system of government, it could become a good government provided those who exercise the power are good. It depended upon their quality. And hence, these qualities have been specified as part of Raja Dharma in conformity with the doctrine of Trivarga.[1]

कौटुम्बिकजीवनस्य आधारः ॥ Foundation of Family Life

Bharatiya social life was constructed on the firm foundation of the sanctity and inseparability of the husband and wife relationship laid down by the propounders of Dharma by means of the Vivaha Samskara. The object and purpose of Vivaha or marriage was declared in the Dharmashastras as the fulfillment of the threefold ideals of life, ie. Dharma, Artha and Kama. The sum and substance of these three goals was that the husband and the wife, remaining loyal to each other throughout their life, should restrain their desire (kama) for material pleasure, wealth and prosperity (Artha) by Dharma (righteous rules of conduct) and should share the happiness and misery and discharge their prescribed duties towards the family and society throughout their life.

The promise given by the bridegroom while undergoing the Vivaha Samskara highlights that the purpose of marriage was the fulfillment of Trivarga doctrine throughout their life as husband and wife. In fact, Vivaha was prescribed as a Samskara so as to impress upon the minds of the bride and bridegroom the sanctity and permanence of the marriage bond and also to make them to commit publicly, in the presence of relatives and guests, that they would fulfill the obligations of married life towards the society. Because, after marriage husband and wife enter the stage of family life or Grhasthashrama (Householder) during which it was the duty of every family to discharge its social obligation. The husband and wife were together required to observe a code of conduct and jointly discharge their social responsibilities. In particular, they were required to discharge together four pious obligations towards,

  1. the Supreme being
  2. Parents
  3. Teacher
  4. Humanity

This is indicated in the Adi Parva (Adhyaya 120.17-20) of the Mahabharata as follows,

ऋणैश्चतुर्भिः संयुक्ता जायन्ते मानवा भुवि | पितृदेवर्षिमनुजैर्देयं तेभ्यश्च धर्मतः ||

r̥ṇaiścaturbhiḥ saṁyuktā jāyante mānavā bhuvi | pitr̥devarṣimanujairdeyaṁ tebhyaśca dharmataḥ ||

Meaning: Every individual should discharge four pious obligations. They are Deva Rna (towards the Supreme Being), Pitru Rna (towards parents), Rishi Rna (towards teachers) and Manava Rna (towards humanity). In fact the method by which these four pious obligations are to be discharged are also indicated. It is said,

यज्ञैस्तु देवान् प्रीणाति स्वाध्यायतपसा मुनीन् | पुत्रैः श्राद्धैः पितृंश्चापि आनृशंस्येन मानवान् ||

yajñaistu devān prīṇāti svādhyāyatapasā munīn | putraiḥ śrāddhaiḥ pitr̥ṁścāpi ānr̥śaṁsyena mānavān ||

Meaning: One should discharge Pitru Rna by maintaining continuity of the family, Deva Rna by worship of the Supreme, Rishi Rna by the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge and Manava Rna by every type of social service.[2] This could be discharged by the husband and wife only by living together with mutual love and fidelity throughout their life. This is indeed the crux of Dampatya Dharma (the dharma of a husband and wife). And thus, Manusmriti declares that mutual friendship and fidelity is the highest Dharma to be observed by husband and wife, throughout their life. For, the family in which husband and wife have mutual affection and respect always secures happiness and prosperity.

अन्योन्यस्याव्यभिचारो भवेदामरणान्तिकः । एष धर्मः समासेन ज्ञेयः स्त्रीपुंसयोः परः । । ९.१०१ । ।[9]

संतुष्टो भार्यया भर्ता भर्त्रा भार्या तथैव च । यस्मिन्नेव कुले नित्यं कल्याणं तत्र वै ध्रुवम् । । ३.६० । ।[10]

anyonyasyāvyabhicāro bhavedāmaraṇāntikaḥ । eṣa dharmaḥ samāsena jñeyaḥ strīpuṁsayoḥ paraḥ । । 9.101 । ।

saṁtuṣṭo bhāryayā bhartā bhartrā bhāryā tathaiva ca । yasminneva kule nityaṁ kalyāṇaṁ tatra vai dhruvam । । 3.60 । ।

Also, observance of this directive throughout life by the wedded couple is not only conducive to happiness and harmony in family life, but also essential for national or social life. Therefore, Vivaha (marriage), founded on the doctrine of Trivarga, was one of the most important of the several ‘samskaras’ (sacraments) prescribed by Dharmashastras to be performed during the lifetime of an individual. It was regarded as the foundation of family life. So much so, that the great importance attached to family life, as constituting the social edifice, and as a basic unit on which the strength of a nation depends, has been recognized by the United Nations as part of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights adopted by the General Assembly. And therefore, it entitles the natural and fundamental group unit of society ie. the family to protection by society and State. This is a clear recognition of the efficacy and necessity of the Dampatya Dharma evolved in this land from the most ancient times based on the doctrine of Trivarga as the foundation of social life.[1]

मानवीयाधिकाराणाम् आधारः ॥ Basis of Human Rights

Vedas including the Upanishads (Shruti) were the primordial source of ‘Dharma’ which is a compendious term for all the human rights and duties, the observance of which was regarded as essential for securing peace and happiness to individuals as well as the society. The duty to conform to Dharma in acquisition of wealth and fulfillment of desires, has been the injunction of Trivarga to all, which was intended to protect the basic human rights of all. In fact, Bharatiya values regarding human rights evolved on the basis of Trivarga perhaps have the oldest ancestry. And the fundamental rights recognised by the Indian Constitution that intend to protect the dignity of the individual and create conditions in which every human being can develop his personality to the fullest extent represent the basic values cherished by the people of Bharata since Vedic times.

कर्तव्याधारिताः अधिकाराः ॥ Duty based Rights

The unique method, evolved by the great thinkers who moulded the civilization and culture of Bharata, was to secure the rights of every individual by creating a corresponding duty in other individuals. Because they considered that the sense of right always emanates from selfishness whereas the sense of duty always generates selflessness. Therefore, every kind of right that became a value in Bharatiya culture was based on the duty of every individual towards other individuals. For example, the following duties were all created to protect basic human rights viz.

  • duty of parents towards their children and the duty of children to maintain their parents in old age
  • duty of teachers towards their students and duty of students towards their teachers
  • duty of every individual in a family towards other individuals in the family and other members of the concerned human society
  • duty of the State towards citizens and duty of the citizens towards the State

In fact, creation of a duty in one individual necessarily resulted in the creation of right in other individual and the protection of such right. Therefore, instead of making right as the foundation of social life and establishing a right based society, the ancient philosophers of Bharata preferred to establish a duty-based society where the right given to an individual is the right to perform his duty.[1]

The rights that evolved as part of the duty-based Bharatiya value system, recognised and bestowed on every individual, are as follows:

  • Right to Happiness

It is the natural desire of all human beings to be happy at every stage and in every aspect of life. Therefore, happiness has been recognised as a right in the Bharatiya culture since ancient times. In fact, “right to happiness” is a compendious expression that includes every kind of specific human right, the fulfillment of which intends to secure happiness. And the doctrine of Trivarga with Dharma as controlling factor was evolved to secure this right to happiness for all without any exception. Thus, this is the most important and comprehensive human right. And the declaration of this Right as a basic human right is rather, a mark of distinction of Bharatiya values of human rights.[1]

  • Right to Equality

Right to equality (Samanata) is perhaps the most valuable right, without which happiness is impossible. The Vedas which constitute the primordial source of Dharma declared the charter of equality. Rigveda declared that all are brothers, that no one is inferior or superior. Similarly, the verse in Atharvanaveda declared that all have equal right over natural resources and all were equally important as spokes in a wheel. This declaration of equality found incorporated in the Rigveda, the most ancient of the Vedas, and also in the Atharvanaveda from times immemorial is very much similar to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights made in 1948. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to note that right to equality was made a part of “Dharma” long before even the State came to be established.[1]

  • Right to Education

Bharatiya civilisation recognises education as one of the pious obligations of the human society. It is by way of creating the pious obligation of Rishi Rna, that emphasizes on acquisition and dissemination of knowledge, that the human right to education of every individual was sought to be created and protected. This has been discharged by Rishis in ancient Bharata by establishing Gurukulas. And the State used to support, respect and honour the Rishis who discharged such an important pious obligation.

Moreover, the human right to education is also aimed at securing happiness. Therefore, education should not be confined to literacy. Rather, its aim should be all-round development of personality ie. intellectual, mental, moral and physical so as to make an individual an asset to the human society. This aspect is highlighted in the chapter of education, Shikshavalli (Lesson eight) in the Taittiriyopanishad. It adds further more that the real happiness and prosperity of any Nation is directly proportional to the number of such kind of people it has produced, through proper education which secures all round development and personality of all its individuals.[1]

  • Right to protection

Manusmrti declares that the highest duty of a Raja is to protect his people. Thus, the right to protection of the people was sought to be secured by creating duties of the Rulers as part of Raja Dharma, the Constitutional Law of Ancient Bharata, that applied to all the Rulers who might be ruling in any part of the territory of Bharata. Kamandaka Nitisara also gives paramount importance to the duty of the Rajas to afford full protection against injustice to individual irrespective of whoever the person may be, who inflicted injury or was attempting to inflict injury.[2]This shows that law is supreme. And the Raja was duty-bound to give full protection to his people. There were also certain specific provisions like the duty to restore stolen property or to pay its value that throw considerable light on the importance given to the human right to protection.[1]

  • Right to practice any Religion

The Indian Constitution confers the fundamental right to all to practice any religion of their choice. In the ancient times, this basic human right was sought to be protected by incorporating a specific rule in Raja Dharma to the effect that the State was under a duty to protect every religion without discrimination. The Narada Smrti states that the Raja is required to give equal protection not only to believers in the Supreme Being or Vedas, but also disbelievers. That is the width of freedom of thought, belief and faith recognised as the basic human right in Bharata, as part of Raja Dharma which is secularism par excellence.[1]

  • Right to Social Security

All individuals do not possess the capacity or resources to lead a happy life. Many individuals suffer from abject poverty, want of education or earning capacity, physical or mental deformity, disease, old age, loss of earning member of the family etc. But all such individuals have the basic human right to happiness. This right is sought to be protected by creating duty in individuals on whom they depend as also on the State.

The Mahabharata verse which declared rules of “Dharma” included in itself saṁvibhāga (sharing wealth with others) and bhr̥tyabharaṇa (the duty of an individual to maintain his dependents). Thus, instead of throwing the entire burden of social security on the exchequer (royal or national treasury), it is delineated to be borne by the earning member of a family. This duty, rooted in the two basic values of life namely selflessness and sacrifice, is perhaps is the best form of social security recognised and provided as a human right in Bharatiya civilization and culture.[1]

मानवीयाधिकाराणां रक्षणम् ॥ Protection of human rights

Human rights were regarded as sacrosanct in this land, since times immemorial. This is evidenced by the fact that even during and after winning wars, certain human rights were required to be respected and protected. These were enumerated in the form of rules of warfare and rules regarding the treatment and protection of the conquered people. In fact, protection of human rights was envisaged even when a person was apprehended by public servants for offences alleged to have been committed by him or even after conviction and sentenced to undergo imprisonment through right to humane treatment while in custody and in prison. And laying down of such humane rules is, indeed, a mark of the development and respect for human rights in the Bharatiya Parampara.

Thus, the various dimensions of the Trivarga Siddhanta discussed herein reiterates that restoration of the doctrine of trivarga alone is the panacea for all social and political maladies with which a Nation gets afflicted.[1]

References

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 M.Rama Jois (2004), Trivarga, Mumbai: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Justice Mandagadde Rama Jois (1997), Dharma: The Global Ethic, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
  3. Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 7.
  4. Manusmrti, Chapter 2.
  5. Manusmrti, Chapter 4.
  6. Mahabharata, Shanti Parva, Adhyaya 165
  7. Mahabharata, Shanti Parva, Adhyaya 15
  8. Ramayana, Kishkindha Kanda, Sarga 38
  9. Manusmrti, Adhyaya 9
  10. Manusmrti, Adhyaya 3