The Mauryan Polity c11.t1: Smārta dharma

c11.t1.1

The *smārta dharma* or the *dharma* of the Law-codes was, then, an analysis of the symbolic *dharma* of the Vedic texts. The classification was secular and religious as well. But according to the old conception, nothing was purely secular, for the latter bore the tinge, a distinct tinge of religion to support it. The *dharma* of the Law-codes may be reduced broadly to two divisions: the *rājadharma* and the *prajādharma*, in other words, the duties of the state and the duties of the subjects. The *prajādharma* was the following of *svadharma* by every individual member of the society according to the rules prescribed. These came to be known as the *sanātana dharma*, the *dharma* for all times and for all places. The *rājadharma* came in to aid the progressive march of this *sanātana dharma* into accomplishment, by clearing the roads which lead to it, of the weeds and thorns, which might otherwise hamper the welfare and happiness of the world. Notwithstanding the trifle differences in doctrines these *dharmas* were common to orthodox as well as to heterodox sects prevalent then in the land, like the Buddhists, the Jains, the Ājivikas and others.