The Development of India’s Political Thought and Philosophy

Abstract

This paper scrutinizes the development of key political thought and philo- sophy in Indian society by exploring three periods; ancient, medieval and modern India. The documentary research is conducted in this study to demonstrate key political thought and philosophy in other society and to overcome the dominance of western school of thought. The paper reveals that each period has its own dynamics determining key political thought and philosophy in India. The ancient period focuses on formulating the balanced relationship between human and circles of life and time, and also the basic social structure. The medieval period represents the contribution of three thinkers; Buddha, Manu and Kautillya in formulating, debating and challenging other school of thought in Indian society. Finally, the political thought and philosophy in the modern period demonstrates how the society copes with problems and challenges from its own traditions and the crash with western culture by studying four thinkers; Ram Mohan Roy, Gandhi, Nehru and Ambedkar. To conclude, the study found that political thought and philosophy in the western society could not be an absolute answer. Revisiting India’s key political thought and philosophy helps to contextualize an understanding on Indian politics and government and to comprehend India’s solution to the problems.