Prelims 2011 · archive
MediumThe "dharma" and "rita" depict a central idea of ancient Vedic civilization of India. In this context, consider the following statements:
- 1.Dharma was a conception of obligations and of the discharge of one's duties to oneself and to others.
- 2.Rita was the fundamental moral law governing the functioning of the universe and all it contained.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer & explanation
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Rita (ritam) is the cosmic order that moral law and nature follow, and dharma grew out of it as the duty one owes to oneself, family and society. Both statements are correct.
- ✓ 1. Dharma means duties and moral law toward family, community and country.
- ✓ 2. Rita is the order of the universe, which the Vedic gods upheld.
Remember · Rita = cosmic order; dharma = duty in harmony with it.
📘 Read it in NCERT: Class 7 Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1), Ch 5 (practise this chapter)
Sources
- NCERT Class 7 · Exploring Society: India and Beyond (Part 1), Chapter 5 “dharma extends to living according to the order of the universe or ritam. This includes doing one's duty truthfully, following rules of righteous conduct and leading a life in harmony with the cosmic order.”
Question: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) 2011, General Studies paper. UPSC did not publish an answer key for 2011: the answer shown is the one the sources above support. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 24 Oct 2026 (how we verify). ·