Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c15.7

c15.7

Hindu political thought has a spirit, a *milieu*, an atmosphere of its own as different from their Western counterparts as Hindu personality, temperament and outlook are different from what one finds in Western Europe. Hindu thought does not fall under any of the accepted categories of Western speculation. It stands by itself. But inevitably it presents some points of resemblance and contrast with ancient and modern schools of political thought in Europe. In their fundamental assumptions, Hindu writers come somewhat near the idealism which we associate with the Greeks and which found a resurrection in Rousseau to form the basis of idealistic philosophy in Germany and England. Hindu social theory does not take society or the state and the atomic individual respectively. Here is no individuality to be fenced round against the impact of social forces. Society is not a mere conglomeration of men and women. It is a working conception of life. As Plato said of the state, it is a conception which guides every living member in the performance of his functions. Individuality derives its worth and significance from its contribution of service to the universal whole. The individual possesses no independent value, ultimately, no independent life of his own. He is absorbed in society.