The Nature and Grounds of Political Obligation in the Hindu State

New Edition of The Original 1935 Classic

J.J. Anjaria

Professor J.J. Anjaria presents a lucid overview of the role of the State in Hindu thought and its connection to the modern State. The starting point is Dharma, which in Hinduism furnishes the elegant conceptual framework to understand the universe—and thereby also the nature of political obligation and the purpose of human activity. In particular, Hindu thought sees the State and its rulers as subservient to Dharma.

Prof. Anjaria argues that in modern times State regulation of men and institutions based on birth, power, wealth, or gender will block the fulfillment of the individual’s true aspirations and the development of a harmonious society. He calls for a renewed concept of Dharma, which would allow the State, in a true democracy, to fulfill its crucial role of supporting individual human endeavor. This requires moving away from the old view of Dharma, which over the centuries came to be implemented as a rigid, static set of rules that sought to preserve a status quo. 

This work offers fresh insight into ancient Hindu political theory and a new perspective on Prof. Anjaria’s scholarship.

"It is wonderful to get back to cultural roots, with a mind like Dr. J.J. Anjaria. With him, the past lives today. This particularly when he says that the central principle of dharma should not be given up but the errors of the past must be avoided."

Yoginder K. Alagh
Noted economist;
former Union Minister, Government of India;
presently: Chairman, Institute of Rural Management, Anand, Gujarat

"An outstanding example of scholarship, the book asks the right questions that are of eternal significance to organised human society, and explores the concept of Dharma as relevant to the ideal of relations between the state and the individual. Based on a deep understanding of both western political thought and of Hindu philoso-phy, it pleads for properly interpreting the conception of Dharma. Reading this book is an enriching experience for the pearls of wisdom it dispenses. For example: 'We look behind only to look forward. . . . The Dharma-rajya of the future cannot be created on the foundations of an iniquitous social order.' Every sentence in the book evokes thoughts on contemporary global issues of nations and people. Highly recommended reading."

Y. Venugopal Reddy
Emeritus Professor, University of Hyderabad;
Former Governor, Reserve Bank of India

"This book is a reminder if we needed one that our pioneering generation of political economists was as familiar with ancient Indian political theory as they were with modern economics. Dr. Anjaria shows a deep know-ledge of the Sanskrit sources as well as Western political philosophy in this—his first book. I am pleased that it is being reissued for modern readers. There is much for us in active politics or just citizens to learn about political obligations from this volume."

Lord Meghnad Desai
Professor Emeritus at the London School of Economics,
and the author of The Rediscovery of India