CONCLUSION
The notion of an ideal state has become a refrence point for Indian Political Thought. Concept of
Dharma is an integral part of Political Philosophy. The concepts of Dharma and Artha exists in Kautilya’s
Arthashastra. Dharma has a big role in making Indian Laws. Dhamma and Danda provides thorough
account and moral politics. These were important to establish a state which have strong belief in religion
and had welfare in ancient India. These Political thoughts were evolved by intellectualls like MANU,
KAUTILYA and SHUKRA who had highly valuable Political and Administrative ideas and policies of ancient
time. Ancient Indian Political Tradition which was Founded as Dharma and Danda, according to some
thinkers is referred to as Dhamma.
Dharmashastras highlights Social and Religious, Family, Life, Gender and Caste based differences and
principles of ancient Jurisprudence.
Dharma is the Morality, Harmony and Duties of an individual and is based on what a person should or
shouldn't do. Dharma and Danda are both interrelated and both are dependent on each other. In the
Vedic period all the rules and laws related to religion and society were contained in Dharmashastra.
Dharma is one of the source of modern laws and it is helping to shape society even today. Hence, it can
be said that ‘dharma’ and law are closely related and interlinked. Dharma by passing has been passed
through ages shown its eternal character and relevancy till date. law is a part of Dharma without
disharmony and they constitute single integrated whole. Dharma has guided our Conduct, Morals and
laws in different ways. Dharma is a duty based concept but the present law focuses on rights rather
than duties.
Ashoka who introduced and adopted the concept of Dharma( Sanskrit word for dhamma) for his state,
to him Dhamma was a way of life in which there is code of behaviour and set of ideals that were advised
to live in peace and prosperity. It was concerned with generalised social norms and practices.
According to Gita, Metaphysical aspect believes in unity of Man, Nature and God. The Sociological
aspect believes in the Varna System which has four Varnas as per the social status of a human which are
Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudras. Psychological aspect believes in the Ashram System and Ideal
in Purushartha ( Firmness by which man seeks action and clutches the objectivesof life which are
Dharma: Virtue, Artha: Prosperity, Kama: Pleasure and Moksha: Salvation). These three aspects cannot
be separated yet are Identical.
The main function of king in Ancient Indian Political Tradition was to protect, prosperity and preserve
righteousness ( Dharma). At the Sametime Varna System existed to create harmony.
Danda, Dandneeti and Rajdharma were concepts of Sanskrit. In ancient India it was important for king to
maintain Dharma with the help of Danda. The reason for bringing Danda is to make people disciplined
who can be evil or corrupt by nature. Whereas Dandneeti dealt with Integration and Organisation of
Social, Political and Economical relationships. Using it brings proper progress and balance in the state.
Rajdharma introduced originally in mahabharta consists laws or rules which ensures proper
administration of kingdom. In ancient India, the entire discipline of political science was called
Rajadharma and was important in social practice. The art of punishment or Dandneeti is subordinate to
Raj dharma.
The Manusmṛiti, also known as the Manava Dharmshastra or Laws of Manu is one of the many legal
texts and constitution among the many Dharmashastras of Hinduism. According to Manu Dharma
legalizes the use of Danda and Danda is superior than Dharma. Dharma is the belief of the state but
Danda protects it. The welfare of the people is the important duty of the king but in Manusmriti king is
made responsible towards God not towards the people.
