Aspect Ancient Indian Political Thought Modern Indian Political Thought Continuity or Change
Rooted in Dharma (ethical duties),
Based on natural rights, liberty, equality, Change - Shift from religious and
Philosophical Karma, and Artha (statecraft), as seen in
secularism, and democracy as seen in the ethical principles to secular and
Foundations texts like the Mahabharata and
Indian Constitution. democratic norms.
Arthashastra.
Focus on a centralized monarchy guided Emphasis on a democratic republic with
State and
by a ruler's duty to uphold Dharma constitutional governance (e.g., Change - From monarchy to democracy.
Governance
(e.g., the Mauryan Empire). Parliamentary system).
The ruler was seen as a moral authority, The leader (Prime Minister or President) is
Change - Shift from hereditary rulers to
Role of the Ruler responsible for ensuring justice and chosen through elections and is accountable
elected representatives.
welfare (e.g., King Ashoka). to the people and the Constitution.
Based on Dharma and Manu's Laws, Codified laws based on constitutional
Change - From religiously-based legal
Law and Justice which were religiously and ethically principles, human rights, and secular
systems to secular, codified laws.
inclined. justice.
Focus on Duties (Dharma), with less Fundamental Rights and Duties
Concept of Rights Change - From duty-based to a balance
emphasis on individual rights (e.g., Varna enshrined in the Constitution, promoting
and Duties between rights and duties.
system defining roles). individual freedoms and responsibilities.
Aspect Ancient Indian Political Thought Modern Indian Political Thought Continuity or Change
Mixed economy with capitalist and Continuity with Change - Welfare
Focus on self-sufficiency, agrarian
Economic socialist elements, emphasis on ideas persist, but modernized with
economy, and welfare state principles
Thought industrialization and economic industrialization and market-oriented
(Arthashastra).
liberalization. reforms.
Focus on social equality, reservation
Caste system with rigid social hierarchies Change - Movement from hierarchical
Social Structure policies, and the abolition of caste-based
and divisions (Varna system). structures to striving for social equality.
discrimination.
Guided by principles of realpolitik (e.g., Non-alignment movement, panchsheel Continuity with Change - Realpolitik
International
Mandala Theory in Arthashastra, principles, and emphasis on peaceful ideas remain, but emphasis on peace and
Relations
diplomacy through alliances and warfare). coexistence in international relations. neutrality in modern diplomacy.
Women’s role was mostly confined to
Emphasis on women’s empowerment
Women’s Role in domestic and religious duties (with Change - Shift towards gender equality
through affirmative action, representation in
Politics exceptions like Rani Lakshmibai in later and representation.
Parliament, and equal rights movements.
periods).
Education and Education limited to higher castes, Universal education, focus on modern
Change - From exclusivity to inclusivity
Political focusing on religious and philosophical political thought, democracy, and inclusion
in political education.
Awareness learning (e.g., Vedic texts). of marginalized groups.
