Jaina Political Thought

Author(s): G C Pandey
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

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questions are discussed in aniviksiki, moral questions in the dharmasastra which belongs to trayi while question of management are dealt with in the Arthasastra. Thus the problems which are brought together in modern political theory as one science are found separated according to their level in the hierarchy of traditional knowledge.
We must also remember that if we wish to set up Western or modern formulations of political problems as standards by which to evaluate Indian and ancient discussions, we must be able to show that those formulations are necessary and universal, which would be possible only if a system of political thought could be worked out a priori. This has neither been done nor can it possibly be done because no one disputes that political theory always appears to have empirical reference. Owing to the diversity of historical conditions political questions tend to be diversely formulated. Nevertheless in so far as they reach out for moral and spiritual roots, for explanations in terms of perennial human values and nature, they tend to involve considerations of amore universal and stable character. It is this that gives lasting value to ancient insights in political thought.
The complaint that ancient answers are not now found to be always accompanied by adequately detailed reasoning and discussion is simply the result of the defective state of preservation of ancient records. Ancient texts were studied with the help of oral explanations. That method of study continues even now where tradition survives. There is, however, no doubt that a good of the ancient tradition has been lost and the tradition of political thinking has suffered most visibly. The numerous schools and authors who precede the Arthasastra. have all been lost and the study of the Arthasastra too was interrupted. This is all the more reason why we must ponder carefully over what intimations have been left to us from the past. Pre-Socratic philosophy is similarly available in a fragmentary manner but that does not lessen its significance.
Nor can a general charge of failure be levelled against the ancient Indian state. During the earlier period it did meet the challenge of foreign invasions with considerable success and despite the vastness and diversity of the country the idea of an all-India state was firmly established and realized from time to time. Although wars were frequent they were fought in accordance with a civilized and humane code and the civil populace was sought to be left uninjured. Diverse political forms and institutions were discovered and historically tried. Internal peace and security were firmly maintained as is attested by literature as well as Greek observers. The freedom and rights of the people were respected and Fa-hsien pays a remarkable tribute in this regard. The rulers vied with each other in the promotion of the arts and the sciences. Public opinion expected the rulers
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