International Journal of Political Science and Governance 2020; 2(1): 124-128

E-ISSN: 2664-603X
P-ISSN: 2664-6021
IJPSG 2020; 2(1): 124-128 Ancient Indian political thought: A critical appraisal
Received: 15-03-2020
Accepted: 20-04-2020
Dr. Suresh Chandra Patel
Dr. Suresh Chandra Patel
Assistant Professor
(Political Science), Post Abstract
Graduate Department of Indian Political thinking, one of the most developed political thoughts, represents the East in the history
Political Science and Public of political thought. A study of Indian Political thought is very much necessary to understand Indian
Administration, Sambalpur Political problems. The Western Political thought, as represented by the researchers from the West and
University, Jyoti Vihar, Burla, the Indian researchers looking through the spectacles of the Western Political thought, has more than
Odisha, India often missed the real spirit of Political concepts of India. The Western concepts are not relevant in the
analysis of the problems of Indian Political system. We cannot, for example, understand Indian
Political Philosophy by comparing Machiavelli to Chanakya. Indian Political thinkers, ancient, modern
and contemporary, have developed some indigenous tools and concepts which are very much necessary
to understand Indian society and social institutions.
The Vedas, the Upanishads, the Bhagwad Gita etc. represents significantly the ancient Indian Political
thinking. The Mahabharata, the Ramayana, the Manusmriti along with other smritis dealt with entire
Panorama of human life vertically and horizontally. The result of the vertical perspective led to the
concept of the State. The Horizontal perspective led to the concept of Dharma. Both the concepts of
State and Dharma constitute the backbone of the Indian Political thought. This paper will try to focus
on political philosophy of Bhagwat Gita, political philosophy of Mahabharata, Political philosophy of
Ramayana, Political thought in the Manusmriti, Political philosophy of Arthashastra and evolution
from Puranas to Nitishastras.
Thus, this paper will look into the importance of ancient political thinking, its evolution. Moreover,
how ancient political thinking and its understanding is a must for analyzing problems of Indian Society
in particular and the World in general.

Keywords: Mahabharat, Ramayana, ancient political thinking, Arthasashtra, Bhagbatgita

Introduction
Political Thought, Eastern or Western, has been a subject of tremendous significance right
from the days of my Graduation. This is due to the fact that Political thought is the only
paper which is very difficult to comprehend in the minds of the students. A student of
Political Science and thereafter a teacher for so many years, I find it interesting and
challenging. Political Thought, for most of its part, has been dominated by Western Political
thought. Greek Philosophers Plato and Aristotle, social contractualists like Thomas Hobbes,
John Locke, and J.J. Rousseau; modern philosopher Nicollo Machiavelli; utilitarian
philosopher like Jeremy Bentham; representative philosopher like John Stuart Mill; idealistic
philosopher G.W.F. Hegel and communist philosophers like Karl Marx and Lenin etc.
continues to dominate the curriculum and minds of the students and teachers of Political
science. The Western Political thought, as represented by political philosophers from the
West and the Indian researchers. Looking through the spectacles of the Western Political
Thought, have generally missed the real spirit of Indian Political concepts. Moreover, the
western political thinking have failed to provide solutions to the global problems of human
civilization. Time, has therefore, come to take note of the global failure of the Western
Political thinking.
Indian Political thinking, on the other hand, is one of the most developed political thinking in
Corresponding Author:
the history of Political Thought. Indian Political Thought ancient, modern or contemporary,
Dr. Suresh Chandra Patel
Assistant Professor have developed some indigenous tools and concepts which are very much essential to
(Political Science), Post understand the social institutions and political concepts of India. A thorough understanding
Graduate Department of of the political concepts of the prominent political thinkers is absolutely necessary for a
Political Science and Public proper analysis of the political scenes of today. An understanding of the manner in which the
Administration, Sambalpur
Indian Political ideas were adopted from time to time by the different political thinkers and
University, Jyoti Vihar, Burla,
Odisha, India their impact on the political action of the people will always be the guiding principles

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for the people of the World in general and people of India in Indian thought as well as in the modern world. As for
particular for all ages, past, present and future. Now, time example, the doctrine of the ‘Mandela group of states’ was a
has come to look into the possibilities of relevance of these kind of Hindu theory of balance of power. Moreover, the
concepts or models of Indian political thinkers at global doctrine of ‘Sarvahapaurma’ in similar to modern theories
level as an alternative. India, like ancient Greece developed of World Federation or a World State. It is interesting to
a political thought in ancient times. Indian political thought note that D. Mackenzie Brown, a Western Scholar, in his
is one of the most developed political thoughts in the East book, “ The White Umbrella “ paid glorious tribute to the
for the World. An understanding of the political problems of realm of Political thought beginning from the East and not
India can be possible only by the study of Indian Political from the West and Political Science beginning from India
Thought. In other words, the prevalent political concepts of and not from Greece.
the world cannot be relevant for analyzing political All these claims and counter claims makes the study of
problems of Indian Polity. We cannot for example, perfectly ancient Indian Political thought more challenging and
understand Indian Political Philosophy by comparing interesting.
Gandhi to Marx or Chanakya to Machiavelli.
Features
Evolution of ancient Indian political thought The following are the salient features of ancient Indian
The Western Scholars, sometimes, one of the opinion that Political Thought.
the ancient Indian Political thought made no contribution of ▪ According to B.A. Saletore, one of the important
Max Muller and Prof. Bloomfield is worth mentioning in features of ancient political thought is the continuity of
this regard. Max Muller, a German Scholar pointed out “the political thought of the earlier writers by the late
only sphere where the Indian mind found itself at liberty to political thinkers. This gave a totality and continuity to
act, to create and to worship was the sphere of religion and the subject of ancient Indian Political Thought.
philosophy.” He further say, “Nowhere have religious and ▪ The ancient Indian Political Thought is a product of
metaphysical ideas struck root so deep in the mind of a Northern India, the home of Indo-Aryan Culture. It may
nation as in India. The Hindus were a nation of be pointed out that the Dravidian races of the South had
Philosophers… Taken as a whole, history supplies no no significant contribution to the ancient Indian
second instance where the inward Life of the some has some Political Thought.
completely absorbed all the practical faculties of a whole ▪ Religion, ethics and moral values constitutes the
people, and, in fact, almost destroyed those qualities of essence of ancient political thinking. The king and the
which a nation gains its place history.” Bloomfield also priest had good relations and worked in mutual co-
pointed out “From the beginning of India’s history, religious operation.
institutions controlled the character and development of its ▪ Another important features of ancient Indian Political
people to an extent unknown elsewhere…. There is no Thought was that it was realistic and practical by
provision in such a scheme for the interest of the state and nature. It consisted of political ideas which were
the development of the race”. Even Dunning, a Western worldly and based on the accumulated wisdom of the
Scholar, once said, “The Oriented Aryans never freed their past. They laid down such policies which the rulers
political from the theological environment in which it is could observe in practice.
embedded today. Therefore, he was compelled to limit his ▪ The political ideas of the ancient Indian Political
study to the philosophy of the European People.” thinkers was largely influenced by the monarchical
But, on the other hand, Indian Scholars like Dr. B.R. states of the Northern India.
Bhandarkar and Dr. Beni Prasad had different views. Prof. ▪ The ancient Indian Political Thought was both
U.N. Ghosal, N.D. Palmer and important Western Scholar conservative and static. This nature is traceable from
like D. Mackenzie Brown etc. also can be bracketed in this the fact that their political thinking justified caste
category. systems and even inferior rank of the sudras.
According to Dr. B.R. Bhandarkar, “it is absurd to affirm ▪ Politics, according to ancient political thinking, was
that Indian had subordinated the study of science of politics closely linked with other branches of human activities.
to that of Theology and Philosophy and had never Politics was not treated as an isolated or exclusive
developed it as an independent branch of knowledge.” He is subject of study.
of the opinion that the Hindu mind showed equal regard to ▪ Ruling classes and priests, according to the ancient
the science-making or material progress or spiritual culture Indian Political thinkers, were at the top of the social
at the time of Kautilya. Prof. K.N. Ghosal is of the opinion hierarchy. They enjoyed several privileges. As for
that the Hindus belong to the category of people who have example, the persons and property of the priests were to
left their impression upon the pages of History as the be protected and exempted from taxation and capital
founders of original systems of political thought. punishment. But the priestly class’s privileges were
According to N.D. Palmer, “Ancient Indian Political withdrawn later on. Kautilya, the author of
thought deals with many subjects which have bulked large Arthasasthtra, excluded them from the list of
in political theory of the western world. Among these are component factors (Angas) of Government (rajyam).
the nature and origin of the state, types of status, the relation
of state and society the forms of Govt., the origin of Development
Kingship, the duties of Kingship, the duties of Kings, royal The Development of ancient Indian Political thought can be
authority and its limitations, power politics, diplomacy and traced back to the Rigveda Samhita. It describes the
administration, state of nature, the social contact and existence of a tribal society in which the government of
sovereignty possibly even international level, conflicting each tribal unit was vested in the monarch (Rajan). The
theories of international relations can be found in ancient rajan was checked by the tribal assemblies like sabha or

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samiti. The Vedic samhitas or the Brahmans also describe references about the political like Sabha and Samiti
the position of Vedic King, who enjoyed limited powers. ▪ References about the political institutions like Sabha
Moreover, the Vedic Literature contains the seeds of social and Samiti.
contract theory relating to the origin of state. The Vedic ▪ Idea about the institution of monarchy as a form of
samhitas and Brahmans as also refer to the origin of the four Govt.
classes. The Vedic literature also expounded the concept of ▪ The idea that moral upliftment of the people as the basis
Law (Dharma). of the political institution.
Besides the Vedic literature, some other scholars also made
contribution to the development of ancient Indian Political Mahabharat
thought. Unfortunately, these Writing share mostly Vyasa is a mythical figure. He is popularly regarded as a
Perished. However, we find some references of their views compiler and arranger of great epic Mahabharat. Vyasa in
in the later Brahminical Canon and Arthasashtra. Kautilya course of the compilation of the Mahabharat, described
talks of thirteen authors and four different schools in his various principles relating to the science of polity known as
work. Kamandakal adds some more which were not given Rajadharma, Dandaniti (criminal justice), origin of the
by Kautilya. All these are proof of the fact that there were State, Kingship, the authority and obligation of the rulers,
literature available on ancient Indian Political Thought even principles and policies of government, judicial
before Kautilya. But, it is true that the ancient Indian administration, ministers, the treasury, defence etc.
Political Thought and institutions began to the studied Mahabharata is another important source of ancient Indian
systematically only with Kautilya. However, Manu also Political Thought. It gives the following information about
made some valuable contributions to the development of the Indian Polity.
ancient Indian political thought. ▪ Discussion about the various theories of origin of State
and Kingship.
Sources of ancient Indian political thought ▪ Discussion about the duties of the King.
Ancient Indian Political Thought is not available in any ▪ Discussion on the responsibilities of the ministers.
single source or work. In other words they are scattered in ▪ Information about the method of war and rules of
different areas like social, religious and others. However, conducting the war.
the main sources of ancient Indian Political Thought are the ▪ Information about the earlier political thinkers and their
following: ideas.
▪ Vedas
▪ Mahabharata Smritis
▪ Smritis Manu was one of the great ancient Indian Political
▪ Kumandakiya Nitisara Philosophers. He is famous for his monumental work
▪ Compilations by Hindu Lawyers. “Manusmriti”. He is regarded in one of the first and
foremost thinkers who gave ideas about structures, norms,
We may briefly analyze the above sources of ancient Indian standards and values of society, religion and polity. His
Political Thought. political ideas are still relevant for modern world. He laid
the foundations of social and political organizations of
Political thought of Bhagwat gita ancient Indian Civilization. Manu’s Political ideas are found
The Bhagwad Gita is known as the easily communicable in the realm of the Origin of State, the role and qualities of
form of the essence of the Upanishads. In the eighteen Kingship, Dandaniti, diplomacy and other administrative
chapters of the Gita, Sri Krishna put forward different aspects. Smrities (sacred traditions) are also a source of
arguments to convince Arjuna about his duties and their ancient Indian Political Thought in the sense that we get an
fulfillment without any regard for the result. Lord Krishna idea about the changing position of the King and ethical
made a detailed analysis of man, nature and God winch is basis of the State.
the base of the spiritualism of the Upanishads. According to
the Bhagwad Gita, the most important objective of human Arthasashtra
beings is the realization of God or consolidation of society. Kautilya, otherwise known as Chanakya, or Vishnugupta
Consolidation of society is an ideal for human beings. By was one of the most pragmatic Political thinkers of the
relating it with the realization of God, it is clear that highest Ancient India. His magnum opus “Arthasashtra “in the basis
significance has been attached to it. This ideal can be of his pragmatic political theory. The Arthashastra of
attained through knowledge, devotion or action. These three Kautilya has been divided into fifteen books or
identical paths are related to the three aspects of human Adhikaranas. The first book discusses about monarchy the
personality – cognitive, conative or affective. The Bhagwad King and his duties, the ministers, priests etc. The second
Gita describes an ideal individual as “Sthetapragya’. Gita book deals with bureaucracy and its structure and the
also provides a harmonious combination of the individual management of different department. The third book deals
freedom and social harmony in the Bhagwad Gita has three with Civil Laws relating to marriage, inheritance, Sale and
aspects, namely, metaphysical, sociological and Purchase etc. The fourth book deals with Criminal Law and
psychological. Punishment. The fifth book deals with the Conduct of
Courtiers subsistence to Government servants, filing up of
Vedas the treasury etc. The sixth book discuses element of
The Vedas, a work on religious and philosophy, is also a kingdom, internal peace attributes of the King, ministers
source of information about the political institutions. It courtiers etc. The seventh book talks about War, Peace,
provides, information about the various Kingdoms, and their neutrality, treaty, defence, forts etc. The eight book
organization, duties of the Kings towards the subjects, discusses about issues concerning King and his subjects,

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natural calamities, army and friendly state. The ninth book decentralized state
talks about internal and external dangers, enemies, traitors, ▪ The Mahabharata supports democracy in practice.
strengths and weaknesses etc. The tenth book discusses
about War, infantry, Cavalary, elephants etc. In the Eleventh Political philosophy of Ramayan
book, there are topics like Punishment, causes of dissension, The Ramayan also provides important insights into ancient
secret punishment etc. The twelfth book discusses about Indian Political thought. The vision of an ideal state
battle of intrigue, duties of messengers, destruction of presented in the Ramayan has been important aspect of
stores, granaries etc. The thirteenth book deals with creating Indian Political thinking from ancient times till today. The
dissensions in the enemy’s army with the spies, peace on the ideal concept of Ram Rajya has been a source of constant
occupied territories, etc. The fourteenth book has discussion inspiration to Indian Political thought from the period of
what ways and means of injuring army remedies against Ramayan till the present day.
injuries etc. The fifteenth book deals with the plan of
Logical arrangement of the treatise. Arthasashtra is the most Political thought in the Manusmriti
authoritative source of the ancient Indian Political Thought. The epic period was succeeded by the period of the Smritis.
The following information are the contribution of The most important among these Smrities in the
Arthasashtra. Manusmriti. The Manusmriti provides valuable concepts of
▪ Duties and responsibilities of the King. Political Science like Justice, Law and Education. The fifth,
▪ The Principles of foreign policy sixth, seventh and eights Chapters of Manusmiriti are the
▪ The type of army most important. Manu, in the seventh chapter, indulged in a
▪ Kind of taxes collected by the state and method of their suitable analysis of the various aspects of the state. First of
collection. all, the duties of the King are elaborately discussed. Other
Organs of the state like ministers, diplomats or
According to Prof. Altekar, “The position of Arthasashtra in ambassadors, heads of villages etc. have been considered in
the realm of Literature on Politics is analogous to that of details. Manu has provided a very detailed picture of the
Panini’s Ashadhyayi in the field of grammar.” various aspects a King’s life and duties. The eight chapter of
Thus, Arthasashtra is one of the most exhaustive treaties on Manusmriti provide, a detailed analysis of the system of
the part of Govt. Justice.

Kumundakiya Nitisara Political philosophy of Arthashastra

Kumundakiya Nitisara, a treatise written in 500 A.D., in Kautilya’s Arthashastra is the most important text on
primarily a summary of Kautilya’s Artasashtra. But it also ancient Indian Political Thought. It provides a detailed
provides information about the King and his family. analysis of every aspect of a Welfare State. Arthasashtra
also regards dharma as the foundation stone of the state as
Compilations of Hindu lawyers well as relations between states. Kautilya has supported the
A number of Hindu Lawyers, in the period between 14th theory of Divine origin of state.
and 18th Centuries, complied certain treatise which lay
scattered in different sources, some of the most important Evolution from Puranas to Niti-shastras
writers who produced such works are Nibandhakaras Political ideas are to be found in the 18 Puranas between 5
Chandesvara Mitra Mishra and Nilakantha. The value of to 10 A.D. These Puranas are Agni Purana, Vayu Purana,
these works lies in the fact that they contain extracts from Markendiya Purana, Mastsya Purana, Vrahnardiya Purana,
unknown authorities. Padma Purana, Varaha Purana, Narasingha Purana, Koorma
Purana and Srimad Bhagvada.
Political philosophy of Bhagwad gita
The most important teaching of Gita is the devotion to one’s Buddhist and Jain texts
own duties in society and performance of social service. Buddhist and Jain thinking clearly exhibits notable features
of Indian Political Thought. Jain and Buddhist scholars
Political philosophy of Mahabharata preached the equality of man in human society. Buddhist
Mahabharata, the great epic, can also be treated as ancient and Jain thinkers revolted again discrimination and taught
Indian Political Literature. The most important parts, from the principle of human equality sutralankara, a Buddhist text
the political view point, the Mahabharat is the Shantiparva provides a detailed account of the skills which a prince must
in which a theory of punishment is advanced as a political necessarily possess.
theory or the service of government. Indian thinkers have
regarded the power of punishment (Danda) as the chief Niti shastras
characteristic of the State. According to the Shantiparba in Political ideas are to be found in texts called Niti Shastras.
Mahabharata, Vishnu first created a monumental text on life The most important among them are Niti Shastra of
and adman and then established a king, govt. and a state. Kumandaka, ‘ Shukranti’ etc.
Vishnu’s text on political science mentioned in the
Mahabharata gives an account of the rules pertaining to Short comings of ancient Indian political thought
governance by the state and rules governing relations The ancient Indian Political thought suffered from a number
between states. In the Mahabharata, we find the following of weaknesses, some of the important among them are given
political ideas. below.
▪ They are the origin of the state ▪ The Writers of ancient Indian Political thought were
▪ Patriotism of the people to the state much influenced by schools and systems. The Vedic
▪ The Mahabharata consistently supports the theological schools, schools of the sacred Tradition

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(Smriti) schools of the Buddhist Canons and Thought (Hindi), Vineet Meerut 1980.
Arthasashtra etc. had significant influence upon the 12. Dhar Kauatilya S. The Arthasastra (Indian Institute of
scholars of ancient Indian Political thought. This World Culture, transaction No. 28. S. Konow, Kautilya
resulted in lack of original thinking in the mind of Studies, Oslo 1954.
authors. What is distressing is that sometimes their 13. Kosambi DD. Myth and Reality, Studies in the
ideas are even full of ambiguities. Formation of Indian Culture, Bombay 1962.
▪ Another problem with regard to ancient political 14. The Culture and History of Ancient India, London
thought is chronology or lack of chronological order. 1965.
There are different views regarding the dates of 15. Law NN. Studies in Ancient Indian Policy, London
different writings. As for example, there are three dates 1914.
starting from 3rd Century to 7th Century AD. 16. Krishna Rao MV. Studies in Kautilya, Delhi 1959.
Regarding the political treaties of Kamandaka. 17. Ruben W. Studies in Ancient Indian Thought, Calcutta
Consequently, it is problematic to relate time to the 1966.
theories of ancient Indian Political Thought. 18. Saletore BA. Ancient Indian Political Thought and
▪ Still another problem of ancient Indian political thought Institutions, Calcutta 1963.
is the lack of consensus regarding the meaning of 19. Kangle RP. The Kautilya Arthashastra, Delhi. Motilal
different terms and roles of various political Banarasidas, 1986;2.
institutions. As for example, different scholars have 20. Jayaswal KP. Hindu Polity – A Constitutional History
assigned different meanings to different terms like of Indian in Hindu Times. Bangalore 1978, 14.
Dandaniti, dharmaniti, Dharma, Rajniti, Samiti, Sabha 21. Verma VP. Ancient & Medieval Indian Political
etc. It is extremely difficult for an average student to Thought. Laxmi Narain Agarwal 1986.
understand these terms. The problem still continues 22. Rout BC. Indian Political Tradition, Panchashila
even with the modern scholars who have not yet been Publication 2003.
able to root out this problem. 23. Urmila Sharma, Sharma SK. Indian Political Thought,
Atlantic Publishers & Distributors (P) Ltd 2014.
Conclusion 24. Nayak GC. Indian Political Tradition, Kalyani
The ancient Indian Political thought is one of the most Publications, New Delhi 2009.
developed political thought not only in India but all over the 25. Prem Arora, Brij Gover. Selected Western and Indian
World. Unfortunately, this fact has not been well Political Thinkers. Cosmos Bookhive (P) Ltd., New
recognized. There are multiple reasons for this. First, the Delhi.
ancient Indian Political Thought has not been properly
codified. Efforts has not been properly made to define
codify and outline the scope of the study of ancient Indian
Political Thought. It is urgently necessary that the political
ideas of ancient political philosophers should be properly
analysed and their importance for Indian Politics should be
emphasized. Moreover, their philosophy may also be used
for solving global problems. The ancient Indian Political
Thought and its philosophers needs reintroduction into the
totality of Political thought so that they can claim rightful
place in the history of Political thought.

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