The Shanti Parva (; IAST: Śānti parva; "Book of Peace") is the twelfth of eighteen books of the Indian Epic Mahabharata. It traditionally has 3 parts and 365 chapters. The critical edition has 3 parts and 353 chapters. It is the longest book among the eighteen books of the epic.
The book is set after the war is over- the two sides have accepted peace and Yudhishthira starts his rule of the Pandava kingdom. The Shanti parva recites the duties of the ruler, dharma and good governance, as counseled by the dying Bhishma and various Rishis. The parva includes many fables such as that of "the fowler and pigeons". The book also provides what some have described as a "theory of varna" as well as a comparative discussion between a rule of truth versus a rule of rituals, declaring truth to be far superior over rituals. Shanti parva has been widely studied for its treatises on jurisprudence, prosperity and success.
Scholars have questioned whether parts or all of the parva was inserted or interpolated at a later age.
Structure and chapters
This Parva (book) traditionally has 3 sub-parvas (parts or little books) and 365 adhyayas (sections, chapters). The following are the sub-parvas:
1. Rajadharma-anusasana Parva (Chapters: 1–130) This sub-book describes the duties of kings and leaders, among other things.
2. Apaddharma-anusasana Parva (Chapters: 131–173) This sub-book describes the rules of conduct when one faces adversity.
3. Moksha-dharma Parva (Chapters: 174–365) This sub-book describes behavior and rules to achieve moksha (emancipation, release, freedom).