IDEAS AND INSTITUTIONS IN INDIAN POLITICAL THOUGHT

Based on the NEP syllabus, the book serves as a comprehensive introduction to the foundation of ancient Indian political thought from a historical perspective. It aims to offer insights into the diverse theories, principles, and philosophies that structured ancient Indian society. By focusing on institutional history, the text delves into various components of the state as an institution, illustrating how these encompassed not only political but also social, economic, religious, and ethical dimensions of governance and statecraft. The book offers perspectives on the history and structure of the state in ancient India, discussing political concepts, organizations, types, architecture, and governance. It explores the norms, duties, and responsibilities that governed the state and its institutions, highlighting conceptual changes from various scholarly interpretations of ancient texts. Drawing upon ancient and medieval literature, the book addresses key concepts of Indian political consciousness, including dharma (dhamma), danda, niti, nyaya, sabha, samiti, rajya, rashtra, varna, and jati. It acquaints students with these concepts, serving as theoretical and conceptual pillars for understanding ancient Indian social and political ideas. Besides, it enlightens students about the concepts of Dharma and Danda, and the methods used in ancient India's Nyaya (justice), Niti (ethics/policy), Sabha (assembly), and Samiti (committee) practices. It also covers the development of Rajya (kingdom) and Rashtra (nation) and explains Varna's workings and its distinction from caste (jati).