Elaborate upon the reactions towards the Brahmanic tradition.---Scholars trace the origin of Brahmanism to Vedic times.

It teaches the Discuss the basic concepts of the Sramanic tradition.--Approach

identification of all the forces and phenomena of Nature with one spiritual Being — ’the only real Entity’. The proponents of In the introduction briefly explain Shramanas and explain how they were different from existing brahmanical order. In the body, discuss in detail
Brahmanism describe their religion as Arya-dharma (the religion of the Aryas; or Vaidika-dharma). It is interesting to trace the about the new social and religious movement brought about by the Shramanas traditions. In conclusion, mention the long term impacts of
crystallization of the rudimentary doctrines of Brahmanism into a definite shape since the time of its origin. In Vedic times people Shramanic traditions. ##Introduction--Shramana traditions in ancient India were brought about by the ascetics who renounced worldly life to
believed in one Supreme Being. The hymn composers expressed a man's curiosity to learn about the Infinite. They took to personifying search for the truth about life and the universe. They included many groups, sects and varieties of opinions. The most famous among them were
the Sky, Sun, Fire, Air, Water, Earth. They bethought them with awe of this same ‘Spirit’ (atman) vivifying their bodies with the breath the Buddhists, the Jains, the materialist Lokayatas and groups like the Ajivikas.In the Brahmanical order the Brahmins were privileged as
of life — of this mysterious presence enshrined in their conscience. Then they identified this same ‘Spirit’ with the divine creative intermediaries between deities and followers, and were considered the protectors of the sacred learning found in the Vedas. The Shramanas
impulse thrilling through the imaginations of their hymn-composers — with the spiritual efficacy of the hymns themselves, with the rejected the authority of the Brahmins and opposed the ritualistic orthodox ideas of the Brahmanas. ##BodyReligious Movement brought about
mystic power inherent in divine knowledge and prayer. This mysterious, all-pervading, vague spiritual Power and Presence, which was by the Shramanas. Emergence of new religions: All the Shramanas sects denied the supremacy of philosophies of Vedic texts. Some of them like
wholly unbound by limitations of personality and individuality, became a reality. This Breath of Life (Atman) received a name. They Budhha and Mahavira got enlightenment through meditation and after realising truth propagated the right way of life to their followers.
called it Brahman. It expanded itself through all space. The concept of ‘Brahman’ was that of a pure essence that not only diffused Simplifying the meaning of truth: In vedic literature the concept of truth was metaphysical and complex for common people to understand. Like
itself everywhere but constituted everything. Men, gods, and the visible world were merely its manifestations. Such was the truth (Satya) in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is equated to Brahman which connotes the highest Universal Principle, the Ultimate Reality in the
fundamental doctrine of Brahmanism. Tracing the journey of Brahmanism Tracing the date and place of origin for Vedic thought is universe. Shramanas sought to simplify the meaning of truth, like Buddha said there are Four Noble Truths: The world is full of suffering. All
unknown, but two theories have been noted in history: (1) The Indo-Aryan Migration theory: It suggests that the Vedic vision sufferings have a cause: desire, ignorance and attachment are the causes of sufferings. The suffering could be removed by destroying its cause. In
developed in Central Asia (around the region of the Kingdom of Mitanni, modern-day northern Iraq, Syria, and Turkey) and arrived in order to end sufferings one must know the right path. This path is the Eight Fold Path (Ashtangika Marga). More emphasis on karma than rituals:
India during the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 7000 - c. 600 BCE) sometime between c. 2000-1500 BCE. (2) The Out of India Shramana held a view of samsara (world) as full of suffering (Dukka). They practiced Ahimsa, Eight Fold Paths and believed more in the principles
Theory (OIT): The OIT claims the Indus Valley Civilization (also known as the Harappan Civilization) developed the Vedic vision,exported of Karma rather than rituals. Shramanas believed that the aim of human life should be Moksha and viewed rebirth as undesirable. Social Changes
it to Central Asia, and watched it return with the Indo-Aryan Migration. Several Gods' names – notably Indra – were known in Central brought about by the Shramanas Increase in power of the social groups of Vaishyas and Kshatriyas: With the economic and political
Asia, and one of the most important concepts of Brahmanism — the cosmic order was also well established there. It is thought that, developments, the Vaishyas and the Kshatriyas became more influential classes. Unlike the Brahamincal order, Shramana traditions of Buddhism
around the 3rd millennium BCE, a group of nomadic Aryan tribes migrated into Central Asia, and two of these, Indo-Iranians and Indo- and Jainism did not give much importance to the notion of birth for social status, they attracted the Vaisyas and Kshatriyas to their fold. It is also
Aryans, parted ways; The Indo-Iranians settled in the Iranian Plateau and the Indo-Aryans continued southwards to the Indian to be noted that both Buddha and Mahavira came from Kshatriya class but in their search for answers to the pressing problems of society they
subcontinent. The term Aryan was understood as a class of people meaning "free" or "noble". Phases of Brahmanism Brahmanism is a went beyond boundaries set by their birth. Rejection Of Caste system: Another reason for the rapid spread of Buddhism and Jainism was their
complex system — a system which may be regarded as possessing four sides, or rather four phases running into each other and are rejection of the existing caste system.
separable by sharply defined lines, namely: Ritualistic Brahmanism--They are an integral part of the Vedas and are supposed to contain
that portion of divine knowledge that is adapted to serve as a directory for the Brahmans in the conduct of the complicated sacrificial
ceremonies. It was deemed necessary in the early Vedic period to propitiate and maintain the energies of nature by means of
invigorating offerings of food. It was unlikely that such offerings would be dispensed with when these same energies were personalized Write a note on the means of reforms in the era of Bhakti tradition.--The Bhakti movement was a medieval religious reform movement that
as divine manifestations of the one Spirit. It is also evident that human sacrifice was once part of the Ritualistic Brahmanical system. preached direct devotion to God without the mediation of a priest. It aimed to reform society by removing the boundaries of caste, creed and
However, the Brahmana records substituted the sacrifice with four kinds of animals — horses, oxen, sheep, and goats — for that of sex between the devotee(bhakta) and God (bhagwan). Bhakti is rooted in the Sanskrit word “Bhaj“, meaning to serve. ‘Bhakti’ literally means
men. Sometimes immense numbers of animals were tied to sacrificial posts (yupa), some were killed and some liberated at the end of fondness for, homage, faith or love, devotion, worship, and piety. The central theme of the Bhakti movement is that when devoted to God, a
the ceremony. One of the most noteworthy ideas to be found in the Brahmanas is that the gods were merely mortal till they person must forget all distinctions and boundaries. Main principles of the Bhakti movement are – God is one, but he can take many forms.
conquered Death by sacrifices. Worshipping God with devotion is better than performing religious ceremonies and rituals and going on pilgrimages. Serving humanity is to
worship God. All humans are equal, and all caste distinctions are meaningless. Superstitious practices are to be given up. Bhakti saints travelled
Compare the Islamic traditions in Indian thought with the Brahmanic tradition--Indian Political Thought, spanning over two millennia, to several places writing poems in vernacular languages, attracting many people under their fold. The term ‘Bhakti’ itself originated in the Vedas
encapsulates sundry traditions andthinkers who have articulated their views on political institutions, governance and social order with for the first time and was extensively used in the Bhagwad-Gita by Vyasa. But the Bhakti movement as a socio-cultural phenomenon started
Brahmanic, Shramanic and Islamic being the mainstream traditions ofpre-colonial Indian political thought. Brahmanic tradition is the much later in the 6th century CE. The Bhakti movement first emerged in South India in the 6th to 10th century CE, mainly in the poems of Alvars
central theme and belief of Vedic followers mostly put forward by Brahmins or sages and hence the name. The origin of Shramanic and Nayanars. Later, it spread all over India, especially in North and East India, through the puranic literature such as Bhagavata-Purana and
tradition is mainly associated with Kosala and Magadha, the main areas of Gautam Buddha and Vardhaman Mahavira who led two Bhagavad Gita. It reached its peak between the 14th and 17th centuries CE. The Bhakti saints of South and East India are covered in this chapter.
vigorous protestant movements against Brahmanic tradition from the fifth century B.C. onwards. This tradition emerged as a reaction In the next chapter, we shall visit the religious developments in North India. Causes of Bhakti MovementReligious factor – By the first millennium
against and reform of the prevailing Brahmanic tradition,but could not escape the influence thereof. The political contact of India with CE, religion grew to become highly ritualistic and superstitious, with many gods and conflicting ideologies. The Bhakti movement promoted a
Islam began sometime in the 8th century A.D., when the Arabs established their control over the province of Sindh. Major trends of simple religion and a rational interpretation of religion based on love. Social factors – Indian society was plagued with many evils, such as the
Indo-Islamic political thought displayed a rupture with and continuity of ancient Indian traditions. Muslim conquests brought alien caste system, untouchability, atrocities against women, witchcraft and sacrifices. The religion earlier did not allow the untouchables or the
traditions ofpolitical ideas and institutions developed in West Asia. With a noted absence of social and cultural hegemony, indigenous women to perform sacrifices. However, the Bhakti religion was open to all. Political factors – Before the Turkish conquest, no heterodox belief
traditions reflected a tendency of adaptation of alien ideas& institutions to the Indian condition.Political life in Brahmanic tradition is could grow, as the society was dominated by the Rajput-Brahaman However, the advent of Islamic rulers deprived the Brahmans of their temple
conceptualised in terms of two central concepts-Dharmaand Danda. For them, political life or ruling a territorially-organised wealth and state protection. Thus, anti-Brahmanical and anti-caste ideologies could now challenge Brahmanical domination. Economic factors –
community ultimately boiled down to using Dandato maintain Dharma. The term Danda means discipline, force, restraint, constraint or With the growth of feudalism, oppressive revenue regimes based on regressive taxation and forced labour The bhakti movement represented
punishment. Hindu political writers generally used it to refer to the punitive use of the coercive power of government.Dharmais a the people against feudal oppression. Influence of Sufism –Bhakti and Sufism were based on the same ideas and emerged as a dissent against
much more difficult concept. It comes from the Sanskrit “dhr”meaning ‘to hold’ and so, Dharmais that which holds a society together. the orthodoxies in their respective religions. Solace in violent times – Masses suffered greatly under some fanatic rulers. There were instances of
Since the Hindus thought a society was held together by each individual and group doing his or its specific duties, they used the termto looting of temples and sacking of cities not only by the Western invaders but also by rulers within the country. Bhakti provided solace to the
mean duties. Some writers used it broadly to mean all duties, whereas others confined it to religious or religiously prescribed despairing hearts in the violent society.
duties.The social order is hierarchically divided into 4varnaor functional groups i.e.Brahmin,Kshatriya,VaishyaandShudra.This division is
more like occupational division of labourfor there were specific roles prescribed to eachvarnathat helped maintain the overall
functioning of society ensuring that every individual occupies a space in the societal fabric. The term “Varna” originated from the
Sanskrit root‘Vri’which means selection/adoption of activities/duties and their performance in accordance with one’svirtues and What is ‘Rajdharma’? Explain.--Rajdharma or the duty of the king has been a much talked about subject in ancient historical and scriptural texts
capabilities. The Varnasystem was supposed to represent the principle of onein many. The Brahmins were concerned with knowledge, of India. However, it has often been found missing in the character of many kings from the ancient times to the present ones. Usually, there is
the Kshtriyas with courage andvalour to provide protection to the weak, the Vaishyas with the satisfaction of necessities of life, viz. much of sermonising about the duty of the praja or the subjects who are supposed to observe the laws laid down by the kings. From ancient
agriculture, crafts, trade and the Shudras with service to the other classes. Allthe four varnas were compared in Rigveda to different Indian kingdoms to the modern state, the story has not changed much and the rulers tend to lose track of what their duty is. In the Indian
parts of the Purusha(human).Although the system pristinely called for classification according to the skill-set and occupation, it ended philosophical thought, the kings were supposed to be representatives of God in this world and had a very obligatory role to play in the well-being
up being promulgated in the form of a rigid, unjust and hierarchical system that bases its categorisation on the birth of an individual. of their subjects. Legendary kings from history like Vikramaditya or Bhoj have proved what a king was supposed to do for his subjects. Our
The modern dayreference to this system is often drawn towards the caste-based modern Indian society, however caste, by no means, ancient Indian accounts of the polity of those times were rich treatise on basic principles of statecraft that aimed at good governance. The
should be called the literal and conceptual translation of the Varnasystem. clichéd jargon Minimum Government, Maximum governance was actually the avowed principle those days which the kings practised. In
Manusmriti, there is elaborate discussion on relationship between dharma or righteousness and ruler of the State. The execution of right duties
Elaborate upon Justice and Dandniti as expounded in the ‘Mahabharat’--Dandniti, the term used in Mahabharata means the science of was the king’s basic responsibility and his duties were defined under the concept of Rajdharma. According to Manu, the law giver, God created
coercion. Viewedin the context as a whole, it is best rendered as the science of governance. As the reins check the steed or as an iron the king to protect the subjects from anarchy and exploitation of the powerful people. Thus, it was the king's duty to protect the weak from the
hook controls an elephant, so dandniti keeps the world under restraints. It destroys every evil as the sun destroys the darkness. About strong who broke the law. If the verdict of a king is unjust it would be a great sin. A king should be very careful while executing the laws which
the importance of dandniti, Bhishma says, that if dandniti is destroyed, the three Vedas will disappear and the duties of the four varnas were supposed to be based on dharma. It was to be correlated with morals and ethics. Ideally, the king was seen as a person who would always
well mix up. On thedestruction of dandniti and instability of Rajadharma, all people suffer from many evils. It is the prime duty of the speak the truth, be a realist, and be well versed in duty and work. If a king is abusing and violating the law, he is punishable. He is supposed to be
king to be fully versed in dandniti. Danda protects the people and it awakes those who sleep; hence, Dand is called as Dharma. transparent, duty bound and must follow the code of the Shastras, the book of dharma. Humility was supposed to be a desired skill. Manu held
Because of the fear of danda (punishment), the sinners do not indulge in sin, people do not kill others. If danda is not observed, that the king should behave like a father towards all citizens and keep them happy. He was repulsive to the idea of king imposing his will on the
everything will be enveloped by darkness. There are four ends of life-Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha. Dharma is regarded as human subjects unscrupulously and ruthlessly. In the Ramayana, the essentials of Rajdharma are also imparted to Bharat, the younger brother of Rama
justice and the set of duties. The concept of Dharma is the truth; it is the morality in true sense. All religious exercise is Dharma and it when the former goes to meet him during the early period of exile. The discussions between the brothers in the “Ayodhya Kanda” is an enriched
is the law. Artha includes all the means necessary for acquiring worldly prosperity. Artha refers to one of the ends of life on one hand, discourse on how the king should rule. It details all aspects of a king’s duty towards the subjects as well as the State. But the best example of
and on the other to one of the purusharthas that satisfies human desires. Kama refers to the desires in man including the sexual urge. Rajdharma is the story of king Rantideva as narrated in the Mahabharata. He was so responsive that anybody with any problem would run to him
Moksha in the fourth and the highest end of life. It paves the path for the progress of soul. Bhishma explains the fundamental for help and the king would happily serve him. His belief was that by serving his subjects, he was serving Shri Vishnu, the Lord. Legend goes that
importance of the king’s office for justice and dandaniti. According to Bhisma, people can live happily only if they live under the law. He he became a favourite with God because of the service he rendered to his subjects. In ancient India, Rajdharma was the welfare of the people or
also describes the four sources of law- Devasammat, Arsha Srota, Lok Sammat and Sanstha-Sammat. In the time of emergency, the moral duty. Its spirit was to ensure peace, justice and prosperity to the people. The modern day rulers need to take a leaf or two out of the
ordinary rules must be suspended. If the people are in distress, the king must come to their aid with his treasure. If government face a chapter on Rajdharma.
crisis, as on the outbreak of war, it is justified adopting financial measures. In emergency, king should take his subjects into confidence.
He should explain the whole situation to them and then impose extra tax. For the sake of saving life, it is right to make a treaty with an
enemy. The treasure and the army are the sole root of the government. Shantiparva is one extended argument for the assigned
interest of the community in the welfare of the king and government.
Trace the idea of ‘Chakravartin’ and the state as an instrument of Dhamma.--n their doctrine of Dhamma as the basis of the state, the early
Discuss the coercive power of the state.--Coercive power is when someone in a position of power uses the threat of punishment to Buddhists found a recourse to escape from the powerful state and the danger of its abuse of powers. Initially they speculated about the large
force subordinates into complying with their demands. Fear of punishment is the incentive to comply. There are many types of scale migration of the people as a remedy against an evil or despotic monarch. However, considering its impracticality under massive territorial
coercive power, including expert power, legitimate power, reward power, and informational power. The term “coercive power” comes empires, Dhamma was postulated as an all-powerful force to control an unrighteous king. 9.5.1 Dhamma and State In the last or the final stage,
from psychologists John French and Bertram Raven, who researched and studied the form of power at the University of Michigan. The the Buddhist notions of Ideal kingship emerges when the state becomes an instrument of Dhamma, which implies that Dhamma not only
duo theorized that there are six different types of power among people, governments, and institutions. According to French and controls the challenges of state power, but it also regulates individual’s conduct and behaviour. Ultimately, the state aims to establish a just social
Raven, the bases of social power are: 1. Coercive power: This type of power gets you to comply with something you don’t want to do order based on Dhamma and that alone will impart ethical status to the state. Buddhism correlated politics with Dharma (Dhamma), considered
through the use of force or punishment. Coercion is a type of authoritarian power used to prevent insubordination; for example, your the former devoid of the latter as Rativijja (the science of pleasure/lust, which was considered the antithesis of all that is ethical), regarded Śīla
boss threatens to fire you if you don’t complete a project on time. 2. Expert power: Expert power is when a person is an expert with (modesty) and Sadāchāra (good conduct) as the basis of politics and desired that the king, as the Mahāsammat (elected by the consent of all),
special knowledge, experience, or skills. Doctors wield expert power when they give you medical advice that you then follow. 3. should protect his subjects according to Dhamma. Buddhism emphasised the moral nature of Dharma and its concrete influence can be seen in
Informational power: Informational power is when an entity or person wields power as a resource of information, which they can then the political philosophy of Aśoka. The culmination of this process resulted in the Cakkavatti or Chakravarty (universal monarch), who was
use to manipulate the opinions or knowledge of others. Social media companies have a great deal of informational power. 4. declared the Dhammiko Dhammarājā (the righteous ruler), who was considered as a counterpart of Bodhisattva in the temporal world. The
Legitimate power: Legitimate power comes from an appointed or elected leadership role. The Queen of England holds a position of Buddhist Dhammarājā was the response to the despotic ruler who lived at the time of Buddha. It was an attempt to contain absolute
legitimate power. 5. Referent power: Referent power comes from individual group members respecting their community’s beliefs and power of the king by applying dhamma as the guiding principle to his power. U.N. Ghoshal has pointed out that the most important contribution
organizational behavior. An example of referent power is when you follow the moral teachings of a charismatic religious leader. 6. of early Buddhism to ancient Indian political thought is the application of principles of righteousness to king’s internal and foreign
Reward power: Reward power motivates a desired behavior by offering or denying a reward. An example of reward power is when a administration. The normative Cakkavatti king is the protector of his people, he possess as seven gems, conquers by righteousness and dhamma
parent promises a child ice cream if they finish their homework. Examples of Coercive PowerCoercive power moves occur in both and above all, he is not only interested in territorial expansion or controlling the material and physical resources, but in establishing a just and
professional and interpersonal settings. Here are some examples: 1. At work: A manager threatens a team member with demotion if moral social order as well. He also teaches moral precepts to laymen and newly subordinated kings. He ensures that people live in comfort and
they don’t work long hours with no excess pay. 2. In politics: The government of a country coerces a weaker nation to accept its destitution is wiped out. Not only does he uphold the property and family rights of the people, but also provides for the basic needs of the
sovereignty, or they will declare war by invasion. 3. In school: A school bully demands a student do their homework under the threat of people as a precondition to establish moral order. Cakkavatti is a charismatic leader and he is popular amongst his subjects. He consults people
physical violence. Disadvantages of Coercive Power Though coercive power can effectively fight noncompliance in the short term, it and acts on the basis of consent. Hence, the people are loyal to him and confirm to his wishes. He patronizes the brahmanas and the śramanas.
may be the most destructive of all forms of power. The use of threats has many disadvantages, including: 1. May lead to backlash: The Under his leadership and guidance, the moral and just social order is established and the king is intrinsic in establishing the new moral order.
type of leadership in an organization directly affects the well-being and job satisfaction of the group’s members. Over time, the use of Ultimately, the rule of Dhammiko dhammarājā is established, which is guided by the principle of Dhamma.
coercive power can lead to resentment and retaliation, such as employee walkouts or strikes. 2. Inhibits growth and innovation: When
you work under constant threat, fear of punishment can consume you, reducing your personal power and leaving no room for the joy
of creativity or innovation. These working conditions can cause the organization to stagnate. 3. Requires constant supervision:
Resorting to threats to enforce compliance only works if you are there to supervise since there’s no motivating factor in continuing if
no one is watching. 4. Requires follow-through on threats: For coercive power to be effective, you must carry out your threats, which
can be counterproductive. If a team member quits instead of finishing a project, you now have two dilemmas: an unfinished project
and hiring a new employee.
Write a note on the notion and symbols of sovereignty.--The relation of state to state, of a state to its citizens, and of one citizen to Examine Abul Fazal’s methodology--Abul Fazl was the historian at Akbar’s court. He occupies a place of distinction among the many eminent
another can be understood only after a further discussion of that characteristic which distinguishes the state from all other scholars of medieval India. He wrote a treatise on Akbar’s reign known as Akbarnama. A part of it called Ain-i-Akbari explains the concept of
organizations, its sovereignty. Another consideration is the nature of law, since in that form the sovereignty of the state manifests itself. monarchy. Akbar’s religious policy has evolved in the course of time depending on different internal and external factors. The final stage of
The concept of sovereignty is the basis of modern political science. It underlies the validity of all laws and determines all international Akbar’s religious policy, the Din-i-Ilahi (Religion of God), was a syncretic religious movement advocated by him in 1582 CE. It was one of the most
relations. It may be briefly outlined as follows: The state comes into being when an independent group of people are organized by substantial dimensions of mutual interaction and relationship between Hinduism and Islam. Abul Fazl’s Concept of Monarchy The real
means of a government which creates and enforces laws. Within this group, there must be supremacy of will and power. It must manifestation of the concept of monarchy of the Mughals took place during the reign of Akbar. The state ideology of the Mughals was articulated
contain some person or body of persons whose commands receive obedience and who can, if necessary, execute those commands by by Abul Fazl. While writing the history of Akbar, it seems that Abul Fazl felt the need of giving justification to the actions of his monarch.
means of force. Such a person or body of persons exercises sovereignty, and such commands are called laws. Evidently, there can be That Akbar was an ideal monarch could be established by setting down standards for the institution of monarchy which would well conform to
no legal limit to sovereignty, since that would imply a higher lawmaking body, and that in turn would be sovereign. The state, his actions. Though the institution of monarchy was in vogue in the Islamic civilization, yet Abul Fazl tried to provide a fresh interpretation.
therefore, is legally sovereign. While possessing unlimited legal power, the state grants certain rights and privileges to individuals and Scholars believe that it was influenced by the Timurid structure of the monarchy and the ideas of the famous Sufi saint Shihabuddin Suharwardy.
sets limits to its own activities. A state may grant a large measure of autonomy to its colonies or may give extensive powers to its local According to it he believed that there is a divine radiance (Farr-i-Izadi) in every person, but only the highest person can be the leader of his era.
divisions, and still retain sovereignty, if it can legally withdraw these delegated powers at any time. A distinction is usually made This ideology was also at the core of the kingship theory propounded by Abul Fazl. The following elements formed the Mughal concept of
between internal and external sovereignty. Writers, especially on international law, speak sometimes of internal sovereignty as the monarchy: Divine Principle of Kingship Abul Fazl has explained Akbar’s views regarding the sovereign attitude towards his subjects. He says that
power to make and enforce laws over all persons in the territory of a state, and of external sovereignty as the power to establish and the king was something more than an average human being. He was the representative of God on earth and His shadow. He was given greater
carry on relations with other states, including the power to declare war and make peace. This conception of external sovereignty knowledge and wisdom than any other human being. Kingship was God’s gift and was not bestowed till many thousand grand requisites were
is objectionable, because it implies that a state possesses sovereign power vis-à-vis other states, which is not true. Other writers view gathered in an individual. According to him, “state-power is the light emanating from God and the ray emanating from the sun.” Akbar and other
external sovereignty as the freedom of the state from subjection or control by another state. Treaties or the rules of international law Mughal rulers assumed the title of Zill-i-Ilahi i.e. ‘Shadow of God’. This divine principle of kingship increased the power of the Mughals and
by which states agree to certain limitations on their complete freedom of action does not destroy their sovereignty, since there is no imparted a feeling of respect and admiration for the position of the emperor. Abul Fazl believed that the term Padshahat (Badshahat) meant ‘an
superior legal compelling authority to enforce them. If a state is internally sovereign, it must of necessity be legally independent established owner’ where Pad means stability and shah stands for owner. Therefore, Padshah means powerful and established owner who
externally. Sovereignty, properly speaking, deals with the internal relations of a state with its inhabitants ; it is a term of constitutional cannot be removed by anyone. In the Mughal Empire, the Badshah had a superior place. He was the ultimate authority on all social, economic,
law rather than of international law. It is a legal concept and deals with positive law only. In the last analysis, sovereignty rests upon political and judicial powers. This theory of Badshahat was a combination of Mongol, Turkish, Iranian, Islamic and Indian political traditions.
either force or consent or a combination of force and consent. Men obey because they agree that it is desirable to do so. In despotic While the rule of the king is legitimate in the divine light, but it does not imply that it liberates the ruler from his duties. He makes an important
states, men obey through fear, while in democratic states the majority of men obey through consent. Force is only required for the few distinction between the just and the unjust ruler. It is only “a just ruler (kargiya)” who is able “to convert, like a salt- bed, the impure into pure,
who refuse to obey. It is this possession of force to support its commands and to compel obedience that distinguishes the state from the bad into good. The just ruler was characterized by tolerance, respect for reason and fatherly love to all the subjects irrespective of their
all other associations and that makes it sovereign. religion or creed.