The Shanti parva recites the duties of the ruler, dharma and good governance, as counseled by the dying Bhishma and various Rishis.
Anushasana Parva continues the theme of Shanti Parva, a discussion of duties of a ruler, the rule of law, instructions on dharma for those close to the leader.
The dialogue is between Yudhishthira, Bhishma and other sages. The book debates the duties, behaviours and habits of individuals, with chapters dedicated to men and to women. Various types of marriages are mentioned and their merits compared. The parva also recites many symbolic tales and legends such as the legend of Nachiketa, as well as the death and last rites of Bhishma, the eldest member of the Kuru family.
It includes the famous Vishnu Sahasranama, as narrated by Bhishma.
If we observe keenly, the above 2 chapters were depended on dying Bhishma,ie., Bhishma who was on the bed of arrows, but still alive.
However, if we study carefully the original Bhishma Parva of Mahabharata, we can observe that Bhishma died on the 10th day of the war itself. The following is the narration of his death.
एवं कुरूणां पतिते शृङ्गे भीष्मे महौजसि ।
पाण्डवाः सृञ्जयाश्चैव सिंहनादं प्रचक्रिरे ॥
तस्मिन्हते महासत्त्वे भरतानाममध्यमे ।
न किञ्चित्प्रत्यपद्यन्त पुत्रास्ते भरतर्षभ ॥
सेनयोरुभयोश्चापि गाङ्गेये विनिपातिते ।
संन्यस्य वीराः शस्त्राणि प्राध्यायन्त समन्ततः ॥
When that great warrior of the Kuru clan, Bhishma, fell, the Pandavas and the Srinjayas roared in triumph. When the mighty grandson of Ganga was brought down, your son, O strong one of Bharata's lineage, was at a loss. As the formidable son of Ganga lay dead, the brave warriors of both sides set down their weapons and began to ponder thoughtfully.
We should ask the following questions for ourselves:
After moving to their share of Kingdom near Khandava Forest area, renovating the old area, getting constructed a fabulous Mansion through Demon sculptor Maya, Yudhisthira ruled for many years before performing Rajasuya, with the assistance of his brothers and taking advice of Shri Krishna whenever required. Thereafter, he performed Rajasuya Yagna and became an emperor.
· Then, why did not Bhishma teach the knowledge various Dharmas to Yudhisthira, before commencement of his ruling in Indraprastha?
· Then, what type of knowledge did Yudhisthira lack regarding the ruling of kingdom or in his personal behaviour after the war, which necessitated a lengthy teaching from Bhishma from a death bed?
· When Bhishma died on the 10th day of the Mahabharata war itself, who was the other Bhishma that taught Yudhisthira about different Dharmas, after the war?
The answers are quite obvious. As Yudhisthira did not lack any type of knowledge and there was no other Bhishma mentioned in Mahabharata, no body taught anything to Yudhisthira.
Shanti Parva and Anushasana Parva are interpolations.
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Now, a question may arise as to subsequent narration in the Bhishma parva, about Bhishma’s lying on the bed of arrows.
Be assured that that narration is an interpolation, just to connect the narration of various dharma sutras in the Interpolated Parvas of Shanti and Anushasana Parvas.
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