IGNOU MPSE - 004 Social and Political Thought in Modern India Notes English Medium

Q1 - Describe the nature of the State and Sovereignty in Ancient and Medieval India.

Answer -

Introduction

India's history is filled with colorful stories of kingdoms and empires, In ancient India governance began with Janapadas and grew into large empires like the Mauryas and Guptas, where the king was responsible for religion, justice, and protection of the people. In medieval India, during the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal rule, power became more centralized, and rulers became symbols of absolute authority. Ancient texts like Manusmriti, Arthashastra, and Thirukkural, and medieval texts like Fatwa-i-Jahandari and Ain-i-Akbari explained the ideas of state, governance, and sovereignty from different perspectives.

Historical Understanding of Ancient and Medieval India

Ancient and Medieval India are two important periods in Indian history. Many empires, kingdoms, dynasties, and rulers emerged during these times. Ancient India refers to the period from the rise of humans to around 1200 CE while Medieval India spans from 1200 CE to 1857 CE when British rule formally began in India.

Click Here For Full Notes

Nature of State and Sovereignty in Ancient India:

1. Rise of the State from Social Structure-

In ancient India, the idea of the state developed with social and economic changes. According to historian Romila Thapar, early society was based on lineage, where the eldest member held control. As population grew and people shifted from animal rearing to farming, inequality increased, creating the need for a stronger system of governance.

The Shanti Parva of the Mahabharata describes Matsyanyaya (a condition where big fish eat small ones) - showing that in the absence of rule, society falls into disorder. To avoid this, people agreed to choose a ruler or requested a king from God. This idea formed the basis of the Divine Origin of Kingship and the Social Contract Theory.

Click Here For Full Notes

2. Seven organs of the state (Saptang Siddhanta)-

Swami (King): The head of the state and the center of governance. Amatya (Minister): The council of ministers who advised and assisted the king. Janapada (Territory): The land including farms, mines, and forests. Durg (Fort): Fortifications to protect the capital. Kosha (Treasury): Place for collecting and keeping revenue. Danda (Army): Military power to maintain law and order. Mitra (Ally): Friendly states for support and alliances.

3. Dharma based rule in Manusmriti -

In Manusmriti, the king is said to have divine power, but his duty was to establish dharma, justice, and order. According to Manu, the king should rule with the advice of Brahmins and maintain balance among the four varnas. It also emphasized decentralized administration, justice, and public welfare.

4. Kautilya's Arthashastra

Kautilya supported a strong but moral and wise rule. Arthashastra discusses in detail the spy system, tax policy, military setup, punishment rules, and role of ministers. His famous saying, "The happiness of the king lies in the happiness of the people," forms the base of a welfare state.

5. Good Governance in Buddhist, Jain Traditions and Tirukkural -

In Buddhism, the king is seen as a Dharmaraja, ruling based on truth and non-violence. Jain tradition also supports moral and non-violent governance. Ancient Tamil text Tirukkural highlights army, resources, diplomacy, and wise ministers as key elements of good governance.

Click Here For Full Notes

Nature of State and Sovereignty in Medieval India:

1. Beginning of Islamic Rule- In medieval India, the Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughal Empire brought changes in governance. The concept of state and sovereignty was based on the Quran and Sharia, seen as divine laws. The king was called Zill-e-Ilahi (Shadow of God) and ruled as God's representative. His main duty was to govern by Sharia. This was different from ancient Indian systems, which were shaped by various religious and social traditions.
2. Fatwa-e-Jahandari and the views of Ziauddin Barani - Ziauddin Barani was a famous Islamic thinker of the Delhi Sultanate. In his book Fatwa-i-Jahandari, he said the king was chosen by God and must follow Sharia and give justice. In Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi, he mentioned four religious laws-Quran, Hadith, ljma, and Qiyas-along with Zawabit (state laws) as equally important. Barani supported the nobility and opposed giving high posts to common people. He believed the king should rule with wise advisors and a strong army and administration.
3. Ain-i-Akbari and the views of Abul Fazal - Abul Fazl, in his famous book Ain-i-Akbari, explained the Mughal rule. He said the emperor had divine power but his duty was public welfare. The king didn't need a religious leader as he had his own sense of justice. Abul Fazl supported strong central rule and good administration. He divided society into four classes- rulers, scholars, artisans, and workers. His ideas promoted equality of all religions and welfare of people, seen in Akbar's policies like ending Jizya tax and banning cow slaughter.

Conclusion

The concept of the state in Ancient and Medieval India developed gradually with social, religious, and political changes. In ancient times, governance was based on religion, morality, and public welfare. In medieval times, religious dominance, Sharia-based laws, and centralized power became important. Though their forms differed, the main aim of the state in both periods was to maintain social order and protect public interest.

Click Here For Full Notes