Understanding Dharmashastra

The ancient legal system was based upon the concept of supremacy of dharma. Dharma is the Sanskrit expression of the most comprehensive import. It is difficult to define precisely, but it can be explained. The word “dharma” is sometimes used to refer to justice (Nyaya). It implies what is right in a given circumstance and includes moral values of right, pious obligations of individuals, righteous conduct in every sphere of activity, being helpful to other living beings, giving charity to individuals in need of it or to a public cause, or alms to the needy. Dharma also connotes the idea of duty and law.

The position of dharma is explained in Taittiriya Upanishad, which states that dharma constitutes the foundation of all affairs in the world. The Supreme Court, in the case of A.S. Narayana Deekshitulu, AIR 1996 SC 1765, has quoted the following verse of Karnaparva (Chapter 69, verse 58) of Mahabharata:

धारणाद् धर्म इत्याहुर्धर्मों धारयते प्रजाः । यत् स्याद् धारणसंयुक्तं स धर्म इति निश्चय ।

Dharma is for the stability of society, the maintenance of social order and the general well-being and progress of humankind. Whatever conduces to the fulfilment of these objects is dharma, i.e. definite.

In a modern-day context, the Constitution of India being the grundnorm is the Dharmashastra for every Indian. Our Constitution establishes the supremacy of law and the rule of law. It shows society what we wish to achieve. It consists of Raj Dharma, which the state has to follow.

Vision

Our vision is to impart and disseminate knowledge of the law and promote a culture of research that develops and advances legal education. We also aim to impart specialized and systematic instructions and training to law students, research scholars, and officers performing administrative and quasi-administrative functions. The university aims to be both a knowledge-driven institution and a creative and wisdom-driven institution.

Motto

The motto of the University is , which has been enshrined in Verse eleven of the Shikhshavalli Section of the Taittiriya Upanishad. The literal meaning of the same is "speak the truth and practice conduct in accordance with dharma".

The significance of truth and integrity in the field of law can hardly be overstated. At the end of the course, in the Dikshant Samaroh, the Guru shows his pupils the path and asks them to follow the path of truth and adhere to the dharma.

Dharma means rules of conduct, and the verse propounds that through one’s conduct, injustice may not be done to anyone and injustice done to others must be protested against. Our conduct must be an example for others.

The national motto of India which literary means "truth alone triumphs”, was adopted after the independence. It also acknowledges the power of truth.

The Supreme Court of India, in its official logo, has embedded the mantra ,which recognises the age-old, time-tested and ultimate truth of the universe that 'where there is Dharma, there is Vijay.

The concepts of Satya and Dharma embodied in these two mottos are fundamental to all the Shastras of our rich heritage and the foundation of all the preachings of the Vedas. Although Dharma, in its broad connotation, includes Satya, the path of the Satya is also considered to be a destination in itself. While it is dharma to speak the truth, speaking of truth also leads to the attainment of the ultimate Dharma of peace and prosperity for the individual and society.

The motto of the University encapsulates both the concepts of truth and righteousness and appeals to generations of legal professionals to always take the path of the Satya and uphold the Dharma in all circumstances, as the ultimate victory comes to those who speak Satya and practice conduct in accordance with Dharma.

About the logo

The university's logo is based upon three significant signs and represents the true essentials of Dharma in today’s time.

• The scale of Justice symbolises the fair application of law and dispensation of justice.
• The Torana of Sanchi Stupa signifies the Gateway to knowledge and wisdom.
• The Constitution of India is the Dharmashastra as a grundnorm for every Indian.