The Concept of Rajadharma in the Indian Knowledge System: A Study of Buddhist Political Ethics and Governance

The Concept of Rajadharma in the Indian Knowledge System: A Study of Buddhist Political Ethics and Governance


Chapter 1: Introduction

  • Conceptual Framework: Defining Rajadharma within the broader Indian Knowledge System (IKS).
  • The Buddhist Shift: How the Buddhist perspective transitioned from ritualistic kingship to ethical governance.
  • Research Methodology: Use of Historico-Analytical methods and Philological study of Pali texts.

Chapter 2: Socio-Political Background of Pre-Buddhist India

  • The Vedic and Brahmanical concept of Danda and Rajadharma.
  • The rise of the Mahajanapadas and the changing nature of authority.
  • The Gana-Sanghas (Republics) as the cradle of Buddhist democratic thought.

Chapter 3: The Origin of Kingship in Buddhist Philosophy

  • Analysis of the Aggañña Sutta: The theory of Mahasammata (The Great Elect) as a social contract.
  • The Ethical Mandate: The King as the 'Protector of Dhamma' rather than a divine entity.
  • The Ten Royal Virtues: Detailed study of the Dasa-Raja-Dhamma.

Chapter 4: The Ideal Sovereign: The Concept of Cakkavatti

  • Characteristics of a Cakkavatti (Universal Monarch).
  • Dhamma-Vijaya vs. Shastra-Vijaya: The rejection of violent conquest in favor of moral influence.
  • The role of the Seven Jewels (Satta-Ratana) in governance.

Chapter 5: Epigraphical and Archaeological Reflections

  • The Maurya Transformation: Ashoka’s Edicts as a practical application of Buddhist Rajadharma.
  • Welfare State: Analysis of inscriptions regarding medical treatment, environmental protection, and social justice.
  • Archaeological evidence of Buddhist influence on later Indian dynasties (Satavahanas, Kushanas).

Chapter 6: Comparative Analysis and Contemporary Relevance

  • Comparison with Kautilya’s Arthashastra.
  • The impact of Buddhist political ethics on Southeast Asian kingship.
  • Relevance of Buddhist Rajadharma to modern democratic ideals and global peace.

Chapter 7: Conclusion

  • Summary of findings.
  • Final assessment of the Buddhist contribution to the Indian Knowledge System.

टिप्पणियाँ

इस ब्लॉग से लोकप्रिय पोस्ट

बामसेफ BAMCEF क्या है ?

भगवान का अर्थ

'बहुजन हिताय, बहुजन सुखाय' के सापेक्ष है 'सर्वजन हिताय, सर्वजन सुखाय'