Dushta

Dushta is an adjective and noun used in Indian languages, especially Sanskrit, Hindi, Marathi, and related tongues, meaning evil, wicked, or morally corrupt. In classical Sanskrit literature, dushta denotes a person who is morally wrong or harmful, and it can refer to actions or beings associated with malice. The term is formed with the sense of “bad” and is found in compounds and phrases describing evil behavior. It has passed into Prakrit and other Indo-Aryan languages with largely the same meaning.

Etymology and usage across languages: Dushta originates in Sanskrit as duṣṭa, a descriptive form used to label corruption or wrongdoing. In modern languages, the word retains a similar sense and is used both descriptively and descriptively as a noun, such as a dushta vyakti (evil person) or dushta karma (evil deeds). The spelling may vary slightly (dushta, dushṭa) in transliteration, but the meaning remains consistent across Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, and other regional languages.

Cultural and literary context: In Hindu scriptures and epic literature, dushta is frequently used to characterize antagonists or parties that oppose dharma (moral order). It is employed to condemn immoral conduct and to contrast with virtuous or Dharmic behavior. In modern discourse, dushta remains a common label for persons or actions perceived as corrupt or unethical, used in moral, legal, or rhetorical contexts.

See also: duṣṭa in Sanskrit lexica; related terms for moral evaluation include sattva (purity) and dharma (righteousness).