Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1, Verse 43

English Translation

Due to these misdeeds of the ruiners of the family, which cause intermingling of castes, the traditional rites and duties of the castes and families become destroyed.

Detailed Commentary

।।1.43।। Explanation—'By these faults of the destroyers of the family... and the eternal family traditions' (Doshair etaih kulaghnanam... kuladharmashcha shashvataah). Due to the destruction of the *kula* (family) in war, the *kuladharma* (family traditions/duties) that follow it are also destroyed. With the destruction of *kuladharma*, *adharma* (unrighteousness) proliferates within the *kula*. The proliferation of *adharma* corrupts women, and from their corruption, *varnasankara* (confusion of social orders/mixed progeny) arises. Thus, due to these faults, the *jatidharma* (caste duties), which are also *varnadharma*, of those who destroy the *kula* are ruined. What are *kuladharma* and *jatidharma*? Within a single *jati* (community/caste), the distinct traditions, decorum (*maryada*), and conduct of a particular *kula* are known as 'kuladharma'. The *dharma* prescribed for all *kulas* within a single *jati* are called *jatidharma* or *varnadharma*; these are general *dharma* and are ordained by scriptural injunctions (*shastravidhi*). When these *kuladharma* and *jatidharma* are not upheld, these *dharma* perish.