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Solved 2025: Indian Political Thought-I

Course: PLSDSC-253
Session: FYUG Even Semester Exam, 2025
Full Marks: 70 | Time: 3 Hours

UNIT-I

2 Marks

Question 1(a): Religions in Shramanic tradition

Two major religions that are part of the Shramanic tradition include:

  • Buddhism
  • Jainism
    • 2 Marks

    Question 1(b): Traditions of Ancient Indian Political Thought

    Two major traditions are:

  • Brahmanic tradition
  • Shramanic tradition
    • 2 Marks

    Question 1(c): What is Sufism?

    Sufism is the mystical and ascetic dimension of Islam that emphasizes an internal search for God and shuns materialism

    . It focuses on divine love, tolerance, and spiritual closeness between the creator and the created.
    3+7=10 Marks
    Option A

    Question 2(a): Brahmanic Tradition and its Differences with Shramanic Tradition

    Brahmanic Tradition:

    The Brahmanic tradition is rooted in the authority of the Vedas

    . It emphasizes a social order based on Dharma (duty) and the Varna system (caste hierarchy). Political power is viewed as a means to uphold the moral and social order established by the scriptures. Key Differences: Feature Brahmanic Tradition Shramanic Tradition Authority Relies on Vedic authority and Brahmanical supremacy. Rejects Vedic authority and Brahmanical rituals. Social Order Supports Varna-Vyavastha (Caste system). Emphasizes social equality and individual merit. Path to Salvation Focuses on rituals, sacrifices, and duties within society. Focuses on renunciation, meditation, and asceticism (Sanyasa). Political Focus King as the protector of Dharma and the Varna system. Emphasizes ethical governance and welfare of all living beings. 10 Marks
    Option B

    Question 2(b): Traditions of Pre-Colonial Indian Political Thought

    Pre-colonial Indian political thought is a rich tapestry of diverse ideological streams:

  • Brahmanic Tradition: Centered on Smritis and Dharmashastras (like Manusmriti), focusing on the King's duty to maintain social order.
  • Shramanic Tradition: Represented by Buddhism and Jainism, it offered a critique of caste and emphasized non-violence (Ahimsa) in statecraft.
  • Islamic/Sultanate Tradition: Introduced concepts of Islamic jurisprudence and the role of the Sultan as the shadow of God, as discussed by thinkers like Barani.
  • Syncretic Tradition: Movements led by saints like Kabir and the work of Abul Fazal during the Mughal era that sought to bridge different religious and social philosophies.

    • UNIT-II

    2 Marks

    Question 3(a): Mahabharata and its Parvas

    The Mahabharata was written by **Veda Vyasa**

    . It consists of **18 Parvas** (books).
    2 Marks

    Question 3(b): Who is Veda Vyasa?

    Veda Vyasa is a legendary sage in Indian tradition credited with compiling the four Vedas and being the author/narrator of the Mahabharata, the Puranas, and the Bhagavad Gita

    .
    2 Marks

    Question 3(c): Literal Meaning of Vyasa

    The literal meaning of the word 'Vyasa' is **"Compiler"** or **"Editor"** (one who arranges or divides)

    .
    3+7=10 Marks
    Option A

    Question 4(a): Shanti Parva as the 'Book of Peace' and Veda Vyasa’s Ideas

    Why called 'Book of Peace'? It is the 12th Parva of the Mahabharata, occurring after the war

    . It is called the Book of Peace because it focuses on the restoration of order, the healing of the soul, and the ethical foundations of governance required to maintain a peaceful society. Veda Vyasa's Ideas in Shanti Parva:
  • Rajadharma: Duties of the King to protect the weak and uphold justice.
  • Dandaniti: The science of punishment used to deter lawlessness.
  • State of Nature: Descriptions of "Matsya Nyaya" (law of the fish) where the strong consume the weak in the absence of a ruler.
    • 10 Marks
    Option B

    Question 4(b): Note on Bhagavad Gita as explained by Veda Vyasa

    The Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Krishna within the Bhishma Parva of the Mahabharata

    . Key political and ethical ideas include:
  • Nishkama Karma: Performing one's duty without attachment to the results.
  • Svadharma: Following one's own ethical and social vocation.
  • Just War: The concept of 'Dharma-Yuddha' or a war fought for righteousness when all peaceful options fail.

    • UNIT-III

    2 Marks

    Question 5(a): Why is Manu the Father of Ancient Indian Political Thought?

    Manu is regarded as the father of ancient Indian political thought because he is the legendary first lawgiver who codified the **Manusmriti**, providing the first comprehensive framework for social, legal, and political conduct in ancient India

    .
    2 Marks

    Question 5(b): What is Arthashastra and Manu’s Works?

    Arthashastra: An ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy, primarily attributed to Kautilya

    .

    Two Works of Manu: While his primary legacy is the **Manusmriti** (Laws of Manu), he is also associated with the **Manava Dharmasutra**

    .
    3+7=10 Marks
    Option A

    Question 6(a): Manusmriti and Social Laws of Manu

    Manusmriti: It is the most authoritative and influential of the Dharmashastras, serving as a code of conduct for Hindu society

    . Social Laws of Manu:
  • Varna System: Rigid division of society into Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.
  • Ashrama System: Four stages of life: Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, and Sanyasa.
  • Position of Women: Laws emphasizing protection but also subordination of women to male kin.
  • Legal Penalties: Punishments (Danda) varied strictly according to the caste of the offender and the victim.
    • 3+7=10 Marks
    Option B

    Question 6(b): Kautilya's Saptanga Theory and Functions of State

    Three Functions of Kautilya’s State:
  • Protection of life and property (Raksha).
  • Maintenance of Law and Order (Danda).
  • Public welfare and economic prosperity (Yogakshema).
    • Saptanga Theory (Seven Organs of State):

    Kautilya compared the state to a human organism with seven vital parts

    :
    1. Swami (The King): The head/brain.
    2. Amatya (The Ministers): The eyes.
    3. Janapada (Territory/Population): The legs.
    4. Durga (Fort): The arms.
    5. Kosha (Treasury): The mouth.
    6. Danda/Bala (Army): The mind/strength.
    7. Mitra (Allies): The ears.

    UNIT-IV

    2 Marks

    Question 7(a): Who was Zia Barani?

    Ziauddin Barani was a 14th-century political thinker and historian during the Delhi Sultanate, known for his work on the duties of Muslim rulers

    .
    2 Marks

    Question 7(b): Who were the Wazirs in the Delhi Sultanate?

    The Wazir was the Prime Minister and head of the revenue and financial department in the Delhi Sultanate, serving as the chief advisor to the Sultan

    .
    2 Marks

    Question 7(c): Two books written by Barani

  • Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi
  • Fatwa-i-Jahandari
    • 10 Marks
    Option A

    Question 8(a): Barani's Theory of Ideal Sultan

    Barani’s Ideal Sultan is one who rules according to the principles of Islamic Sharia while maintaining the dignity of the throne

    :
  • Noble Birth: The Sultan must be of noble descent to command respect.
  • Justice (Adl): The primary duty is to provide justice to the people.
  • Protection of Faith: The Sultan must protect Islam and suppress heresy.
  • Wisdom: Choosing wise and noble advisors (Wazirs).
    • 10 Marks
    Option B

    Question 8(b): Political Philosophy of Zia Barani

    Barani’s philosophy is deeply aristocratic and religious

    :
  • Statecraft over Morality: While he advocates for Sharia, he acknowledges that a Sultan may need to use "Zawabit" (state laws) for practical administration.
  • Contempt for the Low-Born: He believed only the high-born (Ashraf) should hold state offices.
  • Fear as a Tool: He emphasized that the Sultan's authority must be backed by fear and power to maintain order.

    • UNIT-V

    2 Marks

    Question 9(a): Who wrote Akbarnama?

    **Abul Fazal** wrote the Akbarnama

    .
    2 Marks

    Question 9(b): What is Syncretism?

    Syncretism is the blending or fusion of different beliefs, religions, or schools of thought to create a harmonious system

    .
    2 Marks

    Question 9(c): Who was Abul Fazal?

    Abul Fazal was the Grand Vizier (Wazir) of the Mughal Emperor Akbar and the author of the official history of Akbar's reign

    .
    7+3=10 Marks
    Option A

    Question 10(a): Abul Fazal’s Theory of Monarch and its Defects

    Theory of Monarch (Farr-i-Izadi):

    Abul Fazal presented the Monarch as a "divine light" (Farr-i-Izadi) emanating from God

    . The King is a spiritual guide as well as a political ruler, responsible for the well-being of all subjects regardless of religion (Sulh-i-Kul). Three Defects:
  • Absolute Concentration of Power: No institutional checks on the King's authority.
  • Over-Idealization: The theory assumes the King is always spiritually perfect, which is practically impossible.
  • Dependency on Individual: The system fails if the successor is not as capable or enlightened as the previous ruler.
    • 10 Marks
    Option B

    Question 10(b): Syncretism in Kabir’s Political Thought

    Kabir’s thought represents a radical syncretism between Hindu Bhakti and Islamic Sufi traditions

    :
  • Equality: Rejection of caste (Varna) and religious labels, viewing all humans as equal creations of one God.
  • Universalism: He criticized the hypocrisy of both the Brahmin and the Mullah.
  • Social Justice: His vision of 'Begumpura' (a city without sorrow) serves as a political ideal of a stateless, classless, and tax-free society based on love.

    • Knowlet Exam Strategy

    • Key Terms: Use terms like Matsya Nyaya, Danda, Saptanga, and Farr-i-Izadi for better marks.
    • Comparison: When discussing traditions, clearly contrast Brahmanic (scripture-based) vs. Shramanic (reason/ethics-based).
    • Structure: For Kautilya’s Saptanga theory, listing the 7 elements in order is essential.
    • Accuracy: Ensure you distinguish between Zia Barani (orthodoxy) and Abul Fazal (liberalism/syncretism).
    Designed for Knowlet Academic Portal
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