ETHICS OF WAR

There are some norms of war which are followed during the days of the epic. Wars are fought in two ways, called Kuta yuddha and Dharma yuddha. The Former is a treacherous warfare and the latter a righteous one. The demons employ the method of treacherous warfare while fighting against Rama’s force. After laying siege over Lanka on all of its four sides, Rama sends Angada with a tough message to Ravana, before the attack on Lanka is launched, to the effect that ‘.Ravana should come and fight, but alas! Due to his foolishness others have to lay down their lives. Ravana cannot escape death once he encounters Rama.

It should be noted here that Vibhisana too, who joins Rama’s camp, also wields weapons to fight against Ravana. The most impressive sequence in the warfare can be seen when Rama and Ravana face each other in the war. Ravana loses his chariot, the horses and even the charioteer, as he fights against him. He faints due to the rain of arrows from Rama and his crown breaks into pieces. Rama notices his pathetic condition and sends him back to Lanka “to come again with arms and chariot. This is Dharmayuddha”, where saurya (valour) and niti (ethics) go together.