Vol. 8, Issue 5, Part A (2022)

The Mahabharata, which developed from the Bharata samhita, plays an important part in the development of ancient Indian social character. It is a valuable treasure of our ancient culture and civilisation. It occupies a unique place in ancient Indian Literature and philosophy. It is an encyclopaedia of Indian intellectual tradition in which social ethical, moral and ethical conditions are describe extensively. Its comprehensive character has been duly expressed in the epic verse, “What is here found here may be found elsewhere, but what is not found in it cannot be found anywhere.” It throws abundant light on the specific character of the ancient Indian society and furnishes facts and circumstances hardly available from any other sources.

Epic thinkers have attempted to discuss elaborately about various social institutions which regulate the social life of man. A developed social life is possible only if there are well organised social institutions. Therefore, to attain the highest goal of life and for establishing peace and order in society epic thinkers have feel the necessity of some institutions which are able to control to the situation on the whole social performances. The epic Mahabharata refers to many social institutions to fulfill these purposes. These institutions are Education, Marriage, Family and State etc. Among these institutions marriage is the most prominent Institution. Marriage is more important than any other institution one is capable to form in this life, as it is not individual’s happiness only, but that of others also, which is affected by their conduct in it. It has been ordained for the protection of society from foul and immoral acts on the one hand, and continuance of the chain of society itself on the other.

So the Purpose of present paper is to study the institution of marriage critically and elaborately as discussed in Mahabharata with their contemporary relevance. And to discuss how this institutions is able to make a society as an organic whole by establishing peace and order in the society.