In pre-modern Indian political thought, the relationship between religion and polity was deeply intertwined.
Get the full solved assignment PDF of MPSE-004 of 2024-25 session now by clicking on above button.
Religion, particularly in the forms of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and later Islam, played a central role in shaping the political institutions, governance systems, and the moral framework of rulers. In contrast to the more secular notions of politics that emerged in modern Western thought, political authority in pre-modern India was often viewed as divinely ordained or intrinsically linked to religious principles.
1. The Concept of Dharma and Political Authority:
The idea of dharma, or righteous duty, is central to Indian political thought. Dharma was not just a religious or spiritual concept but also extended to social, ethical, and political spheres. It encompassed the duties of rulers, citizens, and the state itself. The ruler’s primary duty was to uphold dharma, which included maintaining justice, promoting social welfare, and ensuring the spiritual well-being of the people.
- Dharma as the Basis of Rule: In Hindu political thought, as seen in texts like the Manusmriti and the Arthashastra, the king is expected to govern according to dharma. The king’s rule is viewed as a divine mandate, where his actions are measured by his adherence to dharma. A just ruler would not only govern with wisdom but also align the state’s laws with the moral and ethical standards prescribed by dharma.
- Raja-Dharma (King’s Duty): The concept of raja-dharma emphasizes that the king’s primary role was to protect and preserve dharma through the administration of justice, protection of the weak, and support of religious practices. This is seen in texts like the Arthashastra by Kautilya, which emphasizes the role of the ruler as a protector of law and order, and also in the epics, where rulers like Yudhishthira and Rama are presented as models of dharma-ridden kingship.
2. The Role of Religion in Governance:
In pre-modern India, religion and politics were inseparable, and religious leaders often held significant political influence. This was particularly true in kingdoms where the ruler’s legitimacy was validated through religious ceremonies and patronage.
- Religious Legitimacy: Many Indian rulers were considered to be divinely appointed or descended from gods. For example, in the case of the Maurya dynasty, the king Ashoka’s embrace of Buddhism was seen as a divine act, and his policies were justified as promoting the dharma of Buddha. Similarly, in Hindu kingdoms, the king was often referred to as a “Chakravartin” (universal ruler), a concept imbued with divine authority.
- Religious Advisors and Councils: The king would often seek the advice of religious scholars or priests, especially in matters related to governance. These advisors helped to ensure that the king’s policies aligned with religious norms and promoted the well-being of both the state and its citizens.
- Temple Politics: Temples were not only places of worship but also centers of political power. Kings often made large donations to temples, built new ones, and established systems for managing religious institutions, which in turn helped to legitimize their rule. Religious institutions also played a role in social welfare, providing education, charity, and social services.
3. Hindu Political Thought and the Role of the Brahmins:
The Brahminical order held significant influence in the political framework of pre-modern India. Brahmins were not only religious leaders but also scholars, advisors, and sometimes even bureaucrats in royal courts.
- Brahminical Authority: In Hindu political thought, the Brahmins were seen as the custodians of dharma. The king, though powerful, was always advised and guided by Brahmins in the moral and ethical matters of governance. In the Manusmriti, Brahmins are seen as the protectors of the sacred law, and their advice was considered essential for a just and dharmic rule.
- The Caste System and Political Structure: The political system in pre-modern India was also heavily influenced by the caste system. Each caste had its own set of duties and roles, with the Brahmins serving as the religious and intellectual elite, and the Kshatriyas (warriors) as the ruling class. This social hierarchy was often justified through religious doctrine, which viewed it as divinely ordained.
4. Buddhist and Jain Political Thought:
While Hinduism formed the dominant religious and political backdrop in pre-modern India, other traditions, particularly Buddhism and Jainism, offered alternative views on governance and the role of religion in politics.
- Buddhist Thought on Governance: Buddhism, as articulated in the teachings of the Buddha, emphasized non-violence (ahimsa), compassion, and moderation. Ashoka, one of the most notable rulers in Indian history, embraced Buddhist principles after his conversion. His governance was marked by a commitment to moral rule, religious tolerance, and social welfare. The role of the king in Buddhist thought was to create an environment conducive to the practice of dharma, both for spiritual development and societal harmony. His rule was not only political but also ethical and spiritual, with a focus on non-violence, truth, and justice.
- Jain Political Thought: Jainism, with its emphasis on non-violence (ahimsa), truth, and asceticism, also contributed to political thought. While Jainism did not directly engage with statecraft to the same extent as Hinduism or Buddhism, its moral teachings influenced the rulers of regions with large Jain populations, encouraging policies of tolerance, religious freedom, and compassion.
5. Islamic Political Thought in India:
With the advent of Islam in India, especially during the medieval period, the relationship between religion and polity became even more complex, as the Islamic concept of governance differed from the Hindu framework.
- The Concept of the Caliphate: Islamic political thought, influenced by the teachings of the Quran and Hadith, viewed governance as a form of religious duty, where the ruler (the caliph) was seen as the vice-regent of God on Earth. In the context of India, Muslim rulers often used their religious authority to justify their rule, which sometimes clashed with the existing Hindu political systems.
- Sultans and Religious Legitimacy: Muslim rulers in India, such as the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire, used religion to justify their political authority. The Mughal emperors, for example, adopted a policy of religious tolerance and patronized various religious groups, including Hindus, to consolidate their political power and legitimacy. However, the Islamic rulers still saw themselves as answerable to the divine will, which influenced their political and administrative decisions.
6. The Idea of the King as a Protector of Religion:
In both Hindu and Islamic political thought, the ruler was seen as the protector of religion. In Hinduism, this meant upholding the social and religious order of dharma, while in Islam, it meant ensuring the practice of Islam and adherence to Sharia law. In both cases, the legitimacy of the ruler was closely tied to their commitment to religious principles.
- Hindu Kings and Religion: In Hindu kingship, the king’s legitimacy was often seen as contingent on his ability to uphold dharma. Kings were expected to maintain religious rituals, promote religious practices, and protect the temples and the Brahminical order. The ruler’s authority was thus framed in religious terms, with his ability to protect and nurture religion determining his legitimacy.
- Islamic Rulers and Religion: Similarly, Islamic rulers in India were expected to protect Islam and promote its values through their governance. The Mughal emperor Akbar, for example, although not orthodox in his religious practices, adopted policies of religious tolerance and respect for other faiths, reflecting the complex relationship between Islamic rule and the diverse religious landscape of India.
Conclusion:
The inter-relationship between religion and polity in pre-modern Indian political thought was multifaceted and deeply rooted in the idea that governance was not only about political power but also about moral and spiritual duties. Religion provided the ethical framework for rulers and citizens alike, guiding the actions of kings and states. In Hinduism, dharma was the foundation of political rule; in Buddhism, rulers were expected to govern in a way that promoted moral and social welfare; and in Islam, rulers were seen as stewards of God’s will on Earth. In all these traditions, the role of religion was not limited to the personal or spiritual sphere but was central to the functioning of the state and governance. This integration of religion and politics in pre-modern Indian thought has had a lasting impact on the region’s political culture and continues to influence political ideas and practices in the subcontinent today.