adminPrevious Year Questions (2013-2022)
1] Do you think that the Buddhist traditions have lent greater ethical foundation to the ancient Indian political thought? Give your arguments. [2021/20m/250w/4a]
2] Examine the contribution of Buddhist tradition to Indian political thought. [2014/15m/200w/2c]
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1] Do you think that the Buddhist traditions have lent greater ethical foundation to the ancient Indian political thought? Give your arguments. [2021/20m/250w/4a]
The Buddhist tradition definitely provided a greater ethical foundation to ancient Indian political thought and is particularly visible in the idea of ahimsa, kingship, religion etc.
Buddhism emerged as a reaction against Vedic tradition. At the time, the Vedic tradition was marred by superstition, caste inequality and animal sacrifice. Buddhism renounced Varnasharam dharma, and promoted equality and ahimsa.
Buddhist political tradition is idealistic in orientation. It lays great emphasis on the virtues of a King. Asvaghosha, in ‘Buddhacharit’, describes an ideal king as ‘atmajit’, one who has conquered himself. According to him, a king should be calm, learned, generous and truthful. He should be loved by the people, rather than feared. He should also be a symbol of sacrifice to his people. According to Upinder Kaur, Buddhist texts overemphasise compassion.
The Buddhist tradition believes in the complete application of the principle of righteousness to the King’s internal administration and to his foreign policy. A king should have learned and virtuous ministers, and should devout himself to the welfare of the people. Ashoka in his edicts advised kings to adopt the policy of non-aggression towards neighbours. The Buddhist tradition rejected the Brahmanical ethics regarding treacherous war and questionable methods in war and diplomacy. A king rather wins others by Dharmachakra.
Buddhist tradition represents a Republican form of government. King is called Mahasammat who has been elected by the council. Early Buddhist texts also mention the qualifications of the citizens of such republics, such as moral rectitude and discipline, etc.
Thus, Buddhist tradition enriched Indian political thought with ethical foundations. [258 words]
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