Department of Artificial Intelligence SESSION: 2023-24

Essence of Indian Traditional Knowledge

(ANC0602)
Weekly Test-1 Solution Semester/Section:
AI 6th (A+B)
(EVEN)
Date of Examination: 18st March 2024 Maximum Marks: 10 (any 3 will come)
Time of Examination: 9:10 AM-10AM
Faculty Name: Ms. Harshika Yadav
Note: Write answer of any three questions in clear handwriting.
Q.N. Question Statement Marks
1 Define state and describe the different theories of the origin of state in Ancient India. 5

Answer: A State is a set of institutions that possess the authority to make the rules
that govern the people in one or more societies, having internal and external
sovereignty over a definite territory.

State has been the key concept in political science since the period of grand thinkers
like Plato and Aristotle.

To look into the origin and evolution of the state has been one of the greatest issues
in Political Science.

In ancient India also thinkers like Bhisma, Narada, Brihaspati, Kautilya, Kamandaka
have looked at the problem.

On the basis of the writings of these thinkers we can detect four important theories
regarding the origin of the state in ancient India, namely—

a) Evolutionary Theory

b) Force Theory

c) Mystical Theory

d) Contract Theory

Theory of Evolutionary Origin: This is the oldest theory of the origin of the state in
India and has been mentioned in the Atharva Veda. According to this theory the state
is the result of evolutionary progress and it didn’t originate at a fixed time.

The tenth hymn of the eighth chapter of the Atharva Veda gives a picture of the
evolutionary origin of the state. On the basis of Atharva Veda several stages of the

Page 1 of 9
evolution of the state can be traced.

The hymns of the Atharva Veda state that the earliest phase of human life was the
stage of vairājya or stateless state. It was a state of complete anarchy.

But subsequently, with the emergence of agriculture, stable life became possible.

To fulfil the needs of agricultural society the family emerged and the head of the
family became the first wielder of authority. Further, the need of co-operation in the
different realms of society led to the emergence of sabhā and samiti. Sabhā was the
organisation of elderly people and samiti was the general assembly of common
people.

With the emergence of sabhā and samiti organised political life began which finally
culminated in the emergence of the state.

Force Theory: Though ancient Indian political thinkers did not propound force
theory in a systematic way, force was considered to be an important factor in the
evolution of the state in India. Earliest Aryan clans fought among themselves for pet
animals (specially for the cow), pastureland, settlements and sources of drinking
water.

Only a strong and able warrior could lead the clan in such wars. So, he was given
special status and the members of clan started obeying him.

Theory of Mystical Origin: This was the most popular theory of origin of the state
in ancient India. Kingship was given divine sanction and the king was considered not
to be the representative of God but himself a God who contained the powers of
important Gods like Indra, Varuna and Agni.

According to A.L. Basham the doctrine of royal divinity was explicitly proclaimed.

It appears first in the epics and the law books of Manu.

John Spellman also favours the view that the theory of divine origin was the
dominant and popularly accepted theory regarding the origin of the state in ancient
India.

According to Spellman “The king was appointed by the God and ruled through divine
grace.”

The king would be punished only by divine powers. The king was supposed to
follow the divine laws and not man-made laws. Spellman concludes that in ancient
India, the basic notion of the origin of the state was based on divine creation.

Contract Theory: Contract theory is the most extensively discussed theory of the
origin of the state in ancient India. The reference to contract theory can be seen in
Page 2 of 9
 the Buddhist texts like Dīgha Nikāya and Mahāvastu and other texts like Shānti Parva
and Arthashāstra of Kautilya. According to Buddhist text Dīgha Nikāya there was a
time when people were perfect, and lived in a state of happiness and tranquility. This
perfect state lasted for ages, but at last the pristine purity declined and there set in
rottenness. But slowly slowly heavenly life degenerated into earthly life. Now
shelter, food and drink were required.

People gradually entered into a series of agreements among themselves and set up the
institutions of the family and private property.

But this gave rise to a new set of problems, for there appeared theft and other forms
of unsocial conduct.

Therefore, people assembled and agreed to choose as chief a person who was the best
favoured, the most attractive and the most capable. In return they agreed to contribute
to him a portion of their paddy.

2 Explain the different stages of life (Āshrama) in ancient India. 5

Answer: The ashrama system denotes the ancient Indian scheme of life according to
which different stages in the life of an individual are well ordered.

The average life span of an individual is considered to be 100 years and it is divided
into four stages each stage having a time span of 25 years. These four āshramas are:

Brahmacharyāshrama or the Stage of Studentship: - This is the first stage of life. It is

meant for acquiring knowledge, developing discipline and moulding character.

This stage starts with the ceremony called upanayanama or investiture with the sacred
thread. Now the person became a brahmachārina, leading a celibate and austere life
as a student at the home of his teacher.

Grihasthāshrama or the Stage of Householder: -This stage starts at marriage when the
student has completed his studentship and is ready to take up the duties and
responsibilities of household life. In this stage the individual gets married, earns
money and begets children. The individual pursues wealth (artha) and pleasure
(kāma) within the limits of the moral law (dharma). The second stage of
householder’s life devoted to building up and supporting a family and earning for
that.

Vānaprasthāsharma or the Stage of Retirement from Active Life— After discharging

all the duties and obligations as a householder, the individual enters into the
Vānaprastha stage. It consists of the third quarter of person’s life. In this phase, after
retiring from active life, the individual dedicates himself to a life of spiritual
contemplation.

Page 3 of 9
 He leaves his home and goes to the forest to become a hermit.

Sanyāsāshrama or the Stage of Renunciation or Wandering Mystic—This is the last

stage of life. Now the individual leaves his hermitage an becomes a homeless
wanderer (sanyāsin) with all his earthly ties broken. The sanyāsin aspires and acts to
attain liberation only. The fourth and the last stage of renunciation of all activity,
going to live in solitude and devote oneself to matters of spirit and worship.

3 Explain the four ends of life (purusārthas) required for fulfilling human desires. 5

Answer: The purpose of life was to attain four goals called purusārthas.

These four purusārthas are —

(a) dharma,

(b) artha,

(c) kāma and

(d) moksha

The concept of purusārthas is the fundamental principle of Indian social ethics. The
word purusārtha means “attainments” or “life purposes”.

The aim of every person is to attain the four noble ends or purusārtha.

These four purusārthas are — dharma, artha, kāma and moksha.

Dharma :- Dharma or the principle of righteousness is considered to be the supreme

of the purusārthas.

Page 4 of 9
It is derived from the Sanskrit root dhr, which connotes to sustain, support or uphold.
Dharma in ancient India was a code of conduct for members of the society. The term
dharma does not mean mere religion; it stands for duty, obligation and righteousness.

It is a whole way of life in which ethical values are considered supreme and everyone
is expected to perform his or her duty according to his or her social position and
station in life.

In Buddhism, the word dhamma is used, which is the Pāli equivalent of the Sanskrit
word dharma.

The guidelines and rules regarding what is considered as appropriate behaviour for
human beings are prescribed in the Dharma Śāstras.

The various forms of dharma in the sense of duty in ancient India like-

Sāmānya Dharma--Some general rules which are universal in nature like truth, non-
violence and non-stealing.

2. Rāj Dharma— Duties of the king.

3. Stree Dharma— Duties of woman.

4. Dāmpatya Dharma— Duties of husband and wife.

5. Varna Dharma— Duties of varnas.

6. Āshrama Dharma— Duties in the different stages of life.

Āpad Dharma— Duties during the crisis period.

Artha: - Artha is the second purusārtha.

The term artha refers to worldly prosperity or wealth.

It includes all the material means of life.

In the Bhagavad-Gītā, selfless action (niśkāma karma) is advocated.

It is an action which is required to be performed without consideration of personal

consequences.

It is an altruistic action aimed at the well-being of others rather than for oneself. This
doctrine is known as karma yoga.

Kāma: - Kāma means worldly pleasures or sensual pleasures.

It refers to some of the innate desires and urges in human beings.

Page 5 of 9
 Moksha: It is the ultimate purusārtha.

Moksha means salvation or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Ethics (nītīśāstra) is a branch of philosophy that deals with moral values.

Significance of Purusārtha: Purusārtha is a cornerstone of ancient Indian philosophy,

emphasizing the holistic approach to life and the pursuit of a meaningful existence.
Here are some key aspects of its significance:

Balanced Life: It promotes the idea that life should be lived in a balanced and
harmonious manner, taking into account various aspects of human existence.

Guidance: Purusārtha serves as a guiding principle for individuals, helping them

prioritize their goals and actions.

Ethical Framework: It provides a moral and ethical framework for decision-making

and conduct.

Path to Fulfillment: Understanding and aligning with Purusārtha can lead to a sense
of fulfillment and purpose in life.

4 Elaborate the ‘Saptanga’ theory proposed by Chankya. 5

Answer: Kautilya enumerated seven prakritis or essential organs of the state. They
are as follow:

(i) Swami (The Ruler or The King)

Page 6 of 9
 (ii) Amatya (The Minister)

(iii) Janapada (The Population)

(iv) Durga (The Fortified Capital)

(v) Kosha (The Treasury)

(vi) Danda (The Army)

(vii) Mitra (Ally and Friend)

Swami(The Ruler) :- It is the first and the most important element. Swami means the
monarch. He should be a native of the soil and born in a noble family. He should be
brave and well learned. He makes all the important appointments and supervises the
government. He has to be virtuous and should treat his subjects like his own children.
Kautilya has given extensive powers to the monarch but those powers are meant for
the welfare of them subjects. In the welfare and happiness of his subjects, lies his
own happiness.

Amatya (The Minister) :- It refers to the council of ministers as well as the supporting
officials and subordinate staffs. They are meant for assisting the monarch in day to
day affairs of the state.

Amatya gives suggestions to king, collects taxes, develops new villages and cities,

Page 7 of 9
 ensures defense of the state and all other tasks as assigned by the king.

Janpada (The Population):- It refers to territory and people of the state. The territory
of the state should be fertile and should have abundance of forest, rivers, mountains,
minerals, wild life etc. It should have good climate. People should be loyal to their
king, hardworking, disciplined, religious, ready to fight for their motherland, should
pay taxes regularly and happily.

Durga (The Fortified Capital) :-It refers to forts. The state should have sufficient
number of forts across its territory at strategic locations for ensuring defense against
foreign invasions.

Forts should be built near hills/mountains, deserts, dense forests and big water
bodies. They garrison soldiers, store food grains for emergency and also serve as a
hideout for the king when his life in danger.

Kosha (The Treasury) :- This means treasury of the state. Finance is life blood of any
state without which it is almost impossible to run it. Money is needed for paying
salaries, building new infrastructure, etc. The treasury should be full of money and
valuable metals and gems.

It can be increased through taxation and plundering enemy states in war.

Danda (The Army) :- It refers to military. The state should have a regular, large,
disciplined and well-trained military. It is crucial for the security of the state. The
soldiers should be recruited from those families which are traditionally associated
with military. The soldiers should paid well and their families should be taken care of
in most suitable way. Proper training and equipment should be made available. Well-
fed and well-trained soldiers can win any battle.

The king should take care of the soldiers and the soldiers will be ready to sacrifice
even their life for him.

Mitra (Ally and Friend) :- It refers to friends of the king. The monarch should
maintain friendly relationship with traditional friends of his forefathers. He should
also make new friendships.

He should send gifts and other pleasantries for his friends. They should be helped in
times of emergency.

5 The Rigvedic marriage hymn states, “I take your hand in mine for happy fortune that 5
you may reach old age with me your husband.” Explain this statement in the context
of marriage as an institution.

Answer: Marriage is an institution that admits man and woman to family life. It is a
stable relationship in which a man and a woman are socially permitted to live

Page 8 of 9
together without losing their status in the community. Marriage is not merely
concerned with the couple; rather it affects the whole society and future generations.

The stable relationship is the base of strong family so The Rigvedic marriage hymn
states, “I take your hand in mine for happy fortune that you may reach old age with
me your husband” that means bride & groom start the journey of Grihasthāshrama
with the blessing of elders and take a bow to live together till the last breadth of the
life. Both together build a strong and stable family.

Family is the keystone of the social arch: marriage is the instrument of family and the
mother/wife is the custodian of marriage. Family is sacrosanct and that involves an
elaborate code of duties for each member of the family. Family is also the economic
unit and as such it takes care of all members regardless of how much they earn and
contribute individually to the ‘family income’.

It is a protection against adversity and a strong instrument of social security,

something that costs Western nations huge amounts of public money to provide to its
citizens. Because ‘family’ results from marriage, marriage is also sacrosanct. Stable
family relationship is the key to cope the adversities.

Page 9 of 9