Ancient Indian Political Thought and Monarchy

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of Satyagraha in comparison to passive resistance?

  • It promotes violent protests.
  • It encourages legal battles over public demonstrations.
  • It is solely about individual rights.
  • It emphasizes the need for truth and non-violence. (correct)

Which type of equality focuses on equitable distribution of resources among individuals?

  • Complex equality
  • Distributive equality (correct)
  • Substantive equality
  • Foundational equality

What does substantive equality aim to achieve?

  • Eliminating all forms of discrimination.
  • Equal treatment under the law.
  • Addressing historical inequalities to ensure fairness. (correct)
  • Providing the same resources to all individuals.

According to Gandhi, what is a key characteristic of the ideal state?

<p>A system based on ethical governance and moral principles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does complex equality refer to in the context of political theory?

<p>The interplay of various dimensions of inequality. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key principle of Gandhi's philosophy that contrasts with Machiavelli's views?

<p>Truth and Non-violence (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concept relates to Gandhi's vision of self-governance?

<p>Swaraj (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which perspective on justice critiques the principles of John Rawls?

<p>Communitarianism (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Nozick's theory of justice emphasize?

<p>Justice as entitlement (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept does Gandhi critique regarding modern civilization?

<p>Industrialization (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophy emphasizes community as a basis for justice?

<p>Communitarian perspective (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which idea is central to Thomas Pogge's theory of global justice?

<p>Global institutional arrangements (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of justice is highlighted in feminist critiques of Rawlsian theory?

<p>Capabilities approach (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary concern of ancient Indian political thought?

<p>Regulating people’s conduct (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way did ancient Indian political philosophy differ from Greek political thought?

<p>Indian thought concerned itself with a limited sphere (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics best describes ancient Indian political thought?

<p>Focus on societal welfare (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of society did ancient Indian political thought primarily aim to secure?

<p>Welfare of all individuals (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key distinction between the aims of Greek and ancient Indian political thought?

<p>Indian thought prioritized societal harmony (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the scope of ancient Indian political philosophy generally compare to that of Greek political thought?

<p>More specialized and limited (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What could be considered a limitation of ancient Indian political thought?

<p>Restriction to regulating conduct (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor was less emphasized in ancient Indian political thought compared to Greek thought?

<p>Individual rights (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the foremost duty of the king in ancient India?

<p>To oversee that every individual performed their functions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How was caste distinguished in ancient India?

<p>As an ascribed status with fixed roles within society (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Varnashramadharma emphasize in ancient Indian society?

<p>The primacy of collective societal responsibility (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which caste was primarily associated with ruling powers in ancient India?

<p>Kshatriyas (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What form of government was considered the normal state in ancient India?

<p>Monarchy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following forms of government did NOT exist in ancient India?

<p>Democracy in its modern sense (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which two castes were known as the super Varnas in society?

<p>Brahmins and Kshatriyas (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an implication of the caste system in terms of individual ambition?

<p>Ambitions were limited by caste-based duties (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary duty of a king according to the content?

<p>To secure the happiness of subjects (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what situation may a king resort to deception according to the content?

<p>To overcome subversive tendencies within his kingdom (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action is deemed acceptable for a king when facing dire circumstances?

<p>Levying taxes by force (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the content indicate about the king's use of violence?

<p>It should never be used for gratification (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'expediency' refer to in the context of the king's duties?

<p>Utilizing extreme measures to achieve desired outcomes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should a king act if he is threatened by imminent danger?

<p>Attempt to save himself (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What stance does the content take regarding royal absolutism?

<p>It is strictly prohibited (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should the king prioritize to ensure the welfare of his kingdom?

<p>Ensuring a steady revenue (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards are hidden until you start studying

Study Notes

Ancient Indian Political Thought

  • Concerned with regulating people's conduct for societal wellbeing and individual welfare
  • Dharma was the king's primary duty, ensuring individuals adhered to their assigned Varna (caste) functions
  • Castes weren't equally privileged in their rights and duties, with Brahmans and Kshatriyas forming the ruling class
  • An individual's duty was social, contributing to the overall societal order

Monarchy in Ancient India

  • Monarchy was the normal form of government due to the Kshatriya caste being responsible for ruling
  • Other forms of government existed, like 'dvairajya' (dual rule), 'vyrajya' (statelessness), and 'gana sanghas' (republics)
  • The monarch's duty was securing the happiness of the people, and they could resort to deception to overcome internal threats
  • Maintaining a strong treasury ('Kosha') was crucial for the king to sustain an army and ensure the people's wellbeing

Political Expediency and the King

  • Mahabharata suggests the king should prioritize expediency over strict righteousness in times of crisis
  • This could involve deception, even potentially violence and oppression, if necessary for the kingdom's survival
  • The king was not permitted to use violence or oppression for personal gain or arbitrarily
  • Royal absolutism wasn't permissible

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Political Theory & Thought PDF

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser