Economics of Mahaveera

Author(s): Mahapragna Acharya
Publisher: Adarsh Sahitya Sangh

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ECONOMICS OF MAHAVIRA
context, peace and non-violence are relegated to a secondary position.
The Objective of Economics It can be easily admitted that the question of peace is not primary to Economics. Dr. Marshall and other economists who followed him have conceded that, while the question of morality may also be considered, morality was not an imperative. Keynes said: When we become prosperous economically, then alone will arise the occasion to think about morality. The present is no proper time for that. Whatever is wrong today might also be useful at the moment. Economics is based on the concept of utility and, therefore, it does not consider there is anything wrong in that. What is useful is right and is desirable, it is maintained.
The Gandhian View This then is the point of view of today's Economics. The question which emerges is, what was the view of Mahavira? Let us first discuss the Gandhian view before talking about Mahavira.
· Mahatma Gandhi opposed certain aspects of communism. He opposed in particular two aspects, industrialism and concentration. He said that concentration of power and of capital tends to increase violence. Wherever power and capital get concentrated in the hands of a few, problems arise. This view of Gandhiji has come wholly true. Wherever concentration of power and capital took place, violence has intensified. Gandhiji made another vital point. Any government, the foundation of which is based on violence, cannot survive. Communism would also not survive. Gandhiji's forecast made a few decades ago has turned out to be true. Based on violence, nothing can remain enduring It is for a similar reason that he opposed industrialism.
Consequences of Industrialism
Industrialism, in its ultimate analysis, is only a variation of economic slavery; it is one of its synonyms. As industries become centralised, economic slavery will prevail. This will lead to