ANALYTICAL STUDY OF THE RULER’S VIRTUE IN MAHABHARATA LITERATURE

Abstract

This article is intended 1) to study the concepts and theories of ethics of the rulers, 2) to study the background and ethics in Mahabharata literature, and 3) to analyze the advantage and value of ethics of rulers in Mahabharata Literature. The data of this qualitative research were collected from Mahabharata Literature, academic documents and others concerned documents. The data were analyzed, classified and presented in a descriptive method.

The results of research were found that:

1) The concepts and theories based on ethics of the rulers were set in the mankind by nature and needed to be developed by behavioral conditions through socialization, regulations, laws, traditions, cultures, and social values by learning in morality and philosophy with the purpose of oneself happiness and social advantages. Moreover, the ethics can be used in decision to do the right things needed by society for the benefit by oneself, others and society. Above all, the ethics can be expressed by acceptance of people in society as the ways of life and happy life.

2) The Mahabharata literature is a struggle story between two groups of cousins, Kaurava and Pandava princes. Both sides share the same blood. The Pandavas have five siblings, while the Kaurava faction has 100 brothers and sisters.The conflict of these two families has accumulated since childhood and become more intense when they grew up .Their conflicts spread to their relatives and allies. Since the conflicts could not be solved both families gathered allies, armies and troops for the battle at Kurukshetra near the Yamuna River for 18 days. The battle destroyed countless lives of the people of both sides and the battle ended with the victory of the Pandavas.

3) The benefits and ethical values ​​of the rulers appeared in the Mahabharata Literature consisted of the principles of being a ruler. The rulers in the Mahabharata epic paid attention to the duty sacrifice, honesty, ethical courage, gratitude, ability to motivate people, knowing the right man in the right job,  having combat skills, and being humble that the rulers could apply in their duty performance today.