INDIAN IDEAS OF POLITICAL THINKING Dr. Deepak Johnson
Assistant Professor, Govt. Arts and Commerce College, Sagar, MP
Abstract - This review paper provides an overview of Indian political thought, its historical development, key concepts, major thinkers, and contemporary relevance. The paper explores the influence of Indian political thought on the world, including its impact on ancient and medieval political thought, its influence on modern political thought, and its significance in contemporary global politics. The paper also discusses some of the criticisms of Indian political thought, including its perceived lack of political realism and its patriarchal and hierarchical structure. Finally, the paper concludes by highlighting the ongoing significance of Indian political thought in the contemporary world, and outlining some potential directions for future research.
Keywords: Indian political thought, historical development, key concepts, major thinkers, contemporary relevance, influence, criticisms, political realism, spiritualism, patriarchal, hierarchical structure, significance, global politics, future research.
1 INTRODUCTION
Indian political thought has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. It encompasses a wide range of philosophical, social, and political ideas that have evolved over time, and have been influenced by various religious, cultural, and historical factors. Indian political thought is characterized by its emphasis on ethical and moral principles, spirituality, and social justice. It has made significant contributions to the fields of governance, law, economics, and international relations. This paper seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of Indian political thought, its historical development, key concepts, major thinkers, contemporary debates, and its influence on the world.
2 IMPORTANCE OF INDIAN POLITICAL THOUGHT
Indian political thought is important for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a unique perspective on governance and politics that is rooted in Indian cultural and religious traditions. Secondly, it has contributed to the development of democratic principles, human rights, and social justice, which have global significance. Thirdly, it has influenced political thought in other parts of the world, including ancient Greece and Rome, as well as modern political theorists like Mahatma Gandhi and Amartya Sen. Fourthly, it has inspired movements for social and political change, including the Indian independence movement, and continues to inspire social movements around the
world. Finally, it provides valuable insights into the relationship between spirituality and politics, and the role of ethics and morality in political decision- making.
3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF INDIAN POLITICAL THOUGHT
A. Vedic period: The Vedic period (1500 BCE to 500 BCE) is characterized by the emergence of early Hinduism and the creation of the Vedas, which are the oldest Hindu scriptures. This period saw the emergence of a social and political hierarchy based on the caste system, with the Brahmins (priests) at the top and the Shudras (labourers) at the bottom. The Vedas also contain references to the governance of the early Vedic society, including the role of kings and the importance of justice and morality.
B. Epic and Puranic period: The Epic and Puranic period (500 BCE to 500 CE) saw the emergence of epic poems such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, which contain references to politics and governance.
This period also saw the development of Hindu mythology and the concept of dharma (righteousness), which became an important principle in Indian political thought.
C. Maurya period: The Maurya period (321 BCE to 185 BCE) saw the emergence of the Mauryan Empire, which was one of the largest and most powerful empires in ancient India. The Mauryan Empire was
characterized by a centralized form of government, with the emperor (such as Ashoka the Great) at the top and a hierarchical bureaucracy below him.
The Mauryan period also saw the emergence of Kautilya, who wrote the Arthashastra, a treatise on governance and politics that remains an important text in Indian political thought.
D. Gupta period: The Gupta period (320 CE to 550 CE) was a period of cultural and intellectual growth, which saw the development of literature, science, and art. This period saw the emergence of Hindu philosophers like Shankaracharya, who wrote about the relationship between the individual and the universe, and the importance of spiritual liberation.
E. Medieval period: The Medieval period (700 CE to 1700 CE) saw the emergence of Islam in India, which had a significant impact on Indian political thought. This period also saw the emergence of several dynasties, such as the Cholas and the Mughals, which were characterized by centralized forms of government.
F. Modern period: The Modern period (1757 CE to present) saw the emergence of colonialism, with the British colonizing India and imposing their own form of governance. This period also saw the emergence of Indian nationalism and the Indian independence movement, which was led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. Modern Indian political thought is characterized by a focus on democracy, social justice, and secularism, and has been influenced by the ideas of Western political theorists like John Locke and Karl Marx.
4 KEY CONCEPTS IN INDIAN POLITICAL THOUGHT
A. Dharma: Dharma is a central concept in Indian political thought and refers to the ethical and moral principles that govern individual and societal behavior. It encompasses concepts like duty, righteousness, and justice, and is based on the idea
that individuals should act in accordance with their social and moral obligations.
B. Karma: Karma refers to the consequences of an individual's actions, and is a central concept in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
The idea of karma suggests that individuals are responsible for their own actions and that these actions have consequences that will affect their future.
C. Ahimsa: Ahimsa is the principle of non-violence and is an important concept in Indian political thought, particularly in the context of social and political activism. It is based on the belief that all living beings are interconnected and that violence or harm to any living being is unethical and immoral.
D. Maya: Maya refers to the illusion of reality and is a concept that is often associated with Hindu philosophy.
The idea of maya suggests that the physical world is not the ultimate reality and that individuals must strive to see beyond the illusions of the material world.
E. Moksha: Moksha is the ultimate goal of Hindu philosophy and refers to the liberation of the soul from the cycle of birth and rebirth. It is achieved through the attainment of spiritual knowledge and the realization of the ultimate reality.
F. Karma Yoga: Karma Yoga is a form of yoga that emphasizes selfless action and the performance of one's duties without attachment to the fruits of those actions. It is based on the belief that individuals should perform their duties in accordance with their dharma, and that the performance of these duties will lead to spiritual liberation.
G. Bhakti Yoga: Bhakti Yoga is a form of yoga that emphasizes devotion to a particular deity or god, and is based on the belief that the ultimate reality can be realized through devotion and love.
H. Jnana Yoga: Jnana Yoga is a form of yoga that emphasizes the attainment of knowledge and wisdom as a means of achieving spiritual liberation. It is based on the belief that the ultimate reality can be realized through the
attainment of knowledge and the realization of the self as a manifestation of the ultimate reality.
5 MAJOR INDIAN POLITICAL THINKERS A. Kautilya: Kautilya, also known as
Chanakya, was a philosopher, economist, and political strategist who lived in ancient India. He is known for his famous treatise, the Arthashastra, which discusses topics like political economy, statecraft, and international relations. Kautilya's political thought emphasizes the importance of the state and the need for a strong and centralized government to maintain order and stability.
B. Mahatma Gandhi: Mahatma Gandhi was a political leader and philosopher who played a key role in India's struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Gandhi's political thought emphasized the principles of non-violent resistance, self-reliance, and the importance of social and economic equality. He believed in the power of peaceful protest and civil disobedience to effect social and political change.
C. Rabindranath Tagore:
Rabindranath Tagore was a poet, philosopher, and political thinker who lived in colonial India. He was a vocal critic of British imperialism and advocated for Indian nationalism and independence.
Tagore's political thought emphasizes the importance of cultural and artistic expression, and he believed that literature, poetry, and art could play a transformative role in shaping the social and political consciousness of the Indian people.
D. B.R. Ambedkar: B.R. Ambedkar was a political leader, social reformer, and philosopher who was a key figure in the Indian independence movement. He is known for his work on social and economic equality, particularly in the context of India's caste system. Ambedkar's political thought emphasizes the importance of individual liberty, social justice, and the need for the eradication of caste-based discrimination and inequality.
6 CONTEMPORARY INDIAN POLITICAL THOUGHT
A. Feminist Thought: Feminist thought in India emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and has since been an important force in Indian political discourse. Feminist thinkers have focused on issues like women's rights, gender equality, and the intersection of gender with other forms of oppression, like caste and class. Some notable feminist thinkers in India include Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, Begum Rokeya, and Mahadevi Varma.
B. Dalit Thought: Dalit thought refers to the political and intellectual movement of India's Dalit community, which is comprised of people who were historically considered "untouchable" and subjected to social and economic discrimination. Dalit thought emphasizes the need for social and economic justice, and the eradication of caste-based discrimination and oppression.
Some notable Dalit thinkers include B.R. Ambedkar, Jyotirao Phule, and Namdeo Dhasal.
C. Marxist Thought: Marxist thought in India emerged in the early 20th century, and has since been an important force in Indian political discourse. Marxist thinkers have focused on issues like economic inequality, exploitation, and the role of the state in shaping social and economic relations. Some notable Marxist thinkers in India include M.N. Roy, E.M.S. Namboodiripad, and P. Sundarayya.
D. Environmental Thought:
Environmental thought in India has emerged in response to the country's rapid industrialization and urbanization, and the resulting environmental degradation and pollution. Environmental thinkers have emphasized the need for sustainable development, environmental protection, and the preservation of India's natural resources. Some notable environmental thinkers in India include Vandana Shiva, Sunita Narain, and Anil Agarwal.
7 INFLUENCE OF INDIAN POLITICAL THOUGHT ON THE WORLD
A. Influence on ancient and medieval political thought: Indian political thought has had a significant influence on ancient and medieval political thought across Asia, particularly in countries like China, Japan, and Tibet. For example, the concept of the "Mandate of Heaven,"
which refers to the idea that rulers derive their authority from a divine source, is a concept that originated in India and was later adopted in China.
B. Influence on modern political thought: Indian political thought has also had an influence on modern political thought, particularly in the areas of non-violent resistance, civil disobedience, and human rights. The political philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, for example, has been influential in the civil rights movements in the United States and South Africa, as well as in other countries around the world.
C. Significance of Indian political thought in contemporary global politics: Indian political thought continues to be significant in contemporary global politics, particularly in the areas of human rights, social justice, and environmental protection. India's role as a leading democracy in the developing world, and its growing economic and political power, also make Indian political thought an important factor in shaping global political discourse.
8 CRITICISMS OF INDIAN POLITICAL THOUGHT
A. Lack of political realism: One criticism of Indian political thought is that it lacks political realism, and focuses too heavily on abstract concepts like dharma and karma, rather than practical political solutions. Some critics argue that Indian political thought fails to take into account the harsh realities of politics, and the need to make difficult decisions in the face of complex political problems.
B. Overemphasis on spiritualism:
Another criticism of Indian political thought is that it places too much
emphasis on spiritualism, at the expense of material concerns like economic development and social justice. Some critics argue that the emphasis on spiritual values can be a hindrance to the development of effective political solutions, particularly in a rapidly changing and modernizing world.
C. Patriarchal and hierarchical structure: Indian political thought has also been criticized for its patriarchal and hierarchical structure, which reflects the broader social and cultural norms of Indian society. Critics argue that this hierarchical structure can be a barrier to the development of more democratic and egalitaian political systems.
D. Relevance in the contemporary world: Finally, some critics question the relevance of Indian political thought in the contemporary world, arguing that it is rooted in a specific cultural and historical context, and may not be applicable to other societies and political systems.
Others, however, argue that the fundamental concepts of Indian political thought, like non-violence and social justice, are universal values that have relevance for all people and societies.
9 CONCLUSION
In this paper, we explored the historical development of Indian political thought, key concepts in Indian political thought, major Indian political thinkers, contemporary Indian political thought, and the influence of Indian political thought on the world. We also discussed some of the criticisms of Indian political thought. Indian political thought continues to be significant in the contemporary world, particularly in areas like human rights, social justice, and environmental protection. The political philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, in particular, has inspired numerous movements for social and political change around the world. There are numerous avenues for future research on Indian political thought, including exploring the impact of Indian political thought on contemporary political movements and the development of new theoretical
frameworks for understanding Indian political thought in a global context.
Additionally, there is a need for further analysis of the criticisms of Indian political thought, and for exploring ways to address these criticisms while retaining the core values of Indian political thought.
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