Governance has been a central aspect of human society since the dawn of civilization. Throughout history, different cultures and civilizations have developed their own systems of governance, each shaped by their unique cultural, historical, and philosophical contexts.
In ancient India, Hindu principles of governance were based on the concept of dharma, which served as the guiding principle for rulers.In modern times, the governance of India has been influenced by Western political systems and policies. However, in recent years, the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought to inculcate ancient dharma-based principles into the modern governance of India.
This article will explore the principles of ancient Hindu governance, including the role of dharma, the approach to warfare, and how it differs from both modern governance influenced by Western policies and the systems of governance imposed by invaders who came to India.
Ancient Hindu governance was based on the concept of dharma, which served as the guiding principle for rulers. The king was seen not as a conqueror or despot, but as a servant of dharma responsible for maintaining social order and ensuring the welfare of his subjects. This view of governance as a sacred duty, rather than as a means of personal power and gain, set ancient Hindu governance apart from many other political systems of the time, including those of the invaders who came to India.
Throughout history, India was invaded by various conquerors, including the Mughals, the British, and others. These invaders brought with them their own political systems and ideals, which often clashed with the ancient Hindu principles of governance. Unlike the ancient Hindu approach to governance, the invaders were motivated by conquest, power, and wealth. They sought to control the land and its resources, and imposed their own systems of governance upon the Indian people.
One of the key differences between the ancient Hindu approach to governance and that of the invaders was the way war was conducted. Hindu kings never attacked or engaged in wars where civilians lived, and the approach to warfare was based on the principles of compassion and non-violence. The invaders, on the other hand, often engaged in wars of conquest and sought to subjugate and control the local population.
Despite the challenges posed by the invaders, ancient Hindu principles of governance and the concept of dharma remained deeply ingrained in the Indian psyche. In times of conflict, the ancient Hindu warriors engaged in what was known as Dharma Yudha, or a “war of righteousness”. This type of warfare was fought not for personal gain or conquest, but for the greater good and to restore order.
In conclusion, ancient Hindu governance was based on the concept of dharma, which provided a moral framework for rulers and emphasized the importance of compassion and non-violence. This approach to governance was in stark contrast to both the Western-influenced modern governance of India and the systems of governance imposed by the invaders. The government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought to inculcate ancient dharma-based principles into modern governance, a move that has the potential to bring a unique and alternative approach to political power and conflict in India.
