The Art of Combat

Yudha Niti, Dharma and Karma in Ancient Indian Martial Practices

Abstract

This paper explores the principles and responsibilities governing warriors in ancient India, mainly through the lens of Dhanurveda and the broader cultural and ethical frameworks of the time. It delves into the practical elements alongside the philosophical aspects while emphasising a holistic approach to warfare that encompasses physical skills, strategic thinking, ethical conduct, and the integration of martial knowledge with moral responsibilities. The ancient texts serve as historical records and sources of philosophical insights on the art and science of warfare in ancient India, encouraging
a deeper understanding of the Yudha Niti2 (War Ethos) in the context of dharma3 and karma4. The epics like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana demonstrate the interplay of dharma and martial duty. Characters like Arjuna and Rama grapple with dilemmas of duty and righteousness in battle, highlighting the conflict between personal morals and societal responsibilities. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna instructs Arjuna on his duty as a Kshatriya (Warrior) and the importance of fulfilling one’s dharma above personal interests or fears, underscoring the spiritual aspect of martial engagement. Kautilya’s Arthashastra, written in the 4th century BCE, is one of the most significant ancient Indian texts on statecraft, military strategy, and economics and, therefore, serves as a comprehensive treatise that not only addresses the art of combat but also integrates military strategy with broader themes of governance and human psychology. It remains a relevant and influential work in the study of statecraft and military affairs, and its insights into the complexitiesof warfare continue to be explored in contemporary contexts. Incidentally, the International Humanitarian Law (IHL), also known as the Law of Armed Conflict, governs the conduct of modern armed conflict and seeks to limit its effects, particularly on non-combatants and civilians. Eventually, the relationship between the current IHL and the ancient Indian martial arts needs to be explored, especially in the context of ethical conduct in warfare, with emphasis on the principles of dharma (righteousness) and karma (duty) in combat that shaped ancient Indian martial practices and guided warriors in their training and conduct in battle. Before expounding further, we should thoroughly understand the art of combat in the Indian context.