Elaborate upon Justice and Dandniti as expounded in the ‘Mahabharat’.

Justice and Dandniti in the Mahabharata:

The Mahabharata, one of the ancient Indian epics, provides profound insights into the concepts of justice and Dandniti, offering a nuanced exploration of moral dilemmas and ethical principles.

1. Dharma and Righteousness:**
Central to the Mahabharata is the concept of Dharma, which encompasses the principles of righteousness, duty, and moral order. The characters in the epic grapple with dilemmas that require discerning the right course of action according to Dharma. The narrative underscores the importance of adhering to one's duty, even in the face of adversity.

2. Dandniti – Principles of Punishment:**
Dandniti, the system of justice and punishment, is intricately woven into the Mahabharata. The epic examines the principles governing the application of justice, emphasizing the need for proportionality and fairness in meting out punishments. The character of Bhishma, for example, serves as a repository of Dandniti, providing guidance on ethical governance.

3. Yudhishthira's Dilemma:**
The character of Yudhishthira faces a pivotal moment in the epic when he grapples with the ethical dilemma of whether to participate in the great Kurukshetra War. The dilemma exemplifies the complex nature of justice, where adherence to duty clashes with the potential harm and destruction caused by war. Yudhishthira's internal struggle reflects the ethical dimensions inherent in the pursuit of justice.

4. Bhishma's Code of Conduct:**
Bhishma Pitamah, a revered elder in the Mahabharata, serves as a moral compass, exemplifying the principles of justice and Dandniti. His commitment to upholding his vow of lifelong celibacy, despite the unfolding chaos and war, illustrates the unwavering adherence to personal codes of conduct as an essential aspect of justice.

5. Karna's Tragic Fate:**
The character of Karna highlights the complexities of justice and social discrimination. Karna, despite possessing noble qualities, faces injustice due to his low birth, leading to tragic consequences. His story underscores the societal biases embedded in the caste system and the implications for an individual's pursuit of justice.

6. Bhagavad Gita’s Ethical Discourse:**
The Bhagavad Gita, a pivotal part of the Mahabharata, contains a profound ethical discourse by Lord Krishna to Arjuna. It addresses themes of duty, righteousness, and the nature of justice. Krishna imparts guidance on how to navigate moral complexities and fulfill one's duty with detached action.

7. The Yaksha Prashna:**
The Yaksha Prashna, a series of questions posed to Yudhishthira in the Vana Parva, delves into moral and philosophical dimensions. The questions explore various facets of justice, morality, and the human condition, challenging conventional notions and encouraging contemplation on ethical principles.

8. Consequences of Unjust Acts:**
The Mahabharata vividly depicts the consequences of unjust actions. The dice game that leads to Draupadi's humiliation and the subsequent events that culminate in the great war illustrate the far-reaching impacts of injustice on individuals, families, and society.

In conclusion, the Mahabharata serves as a rich repository of wisdom on justice and Dandniti. Through intricate character dilemmas, ethical discourses, and narrative arcs, the epic delves into the complexities of adhering to Dharma, the principles of justice, and the consequences of moral choices. The Mahabharata's exploration of these themes continues to resonate, offering timeless reflections on the nature of justice and the ethical considerations that shape human actions.