“The Sabha Parva defines the principles of crime against humanity. Elucidate.”
The Sabha Parva is the second book of the Indian epic Mahabharata. It tells many important stories, but one of the most powerful parts is the game of dice and what happens to Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas. This part of the story shows some serious ideas that match what we now call “crimes against humanity.”
In the Sabha Parva, Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, loses everything in a gambling match — his kingdom, his brothers, and finally Draupadi. The Kauravas bring Draupadi into the royal court and try to disrobe her in front of everyone. This act is cruel, shameful, and inhuman. It hurts her dignity and shows a deep disrespect for a woman. Even though many elders like Bhishma, Drona, and Kripacharya are present, most of them remain silent. Only a few, like Vidura and Vikarna, speak out against the injustice.
This event shows several ideas that relate to crimes against humanity:
- Violation of Human Dignity: Stripping Draupadi’s clothes in public is not just a personal insult. It is a direct attack on her identity and self-respect. It represents a crime against a person’s humanity.
- Abuse of Power: The Kauravas use their power to humiliate Draupadi. They act as if they can do anything because they have control. This reminds us that power without justice leads to cruelty.
- Failure of Justice: The elders in the court do not stop the crime. Their silence makes them responsible too. When people in power stay quiet during a crime, they become part of the problem.
- Moral Courage: Even though most people stay silent, some characters speak the truth. Vidura and Vikarna show that it is important to raise your voice against wrong actions, even if you stand alone.
- Universal Dharma: Draupadi does not accept her fate silently. She asks questions about dharma (righteous duty) and justice. Her words show that right and wrong are above power and position.
In simple words, Sabha Parva teaches us that hurting people, disrespecting their dignity, and staying silent during injustice are all crimes against humanity. This lesson is still true today. The story tells us to protect the weak, question the wrong, and stand for truth — no matter how strong the oppressor is.
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