Indian Political Thought

Course Type	Course Code	No. Of Credits
Discipline Core	NSUS1PO607	4

Course Coordinator and Team: SES Faculty

Email of course coordinator: pcbabed@aud.ac.in

Pre-requisites: No

Course Description:

The course has been designed to introduce to the students some classical Indian political thinkers who shaped the ideas and key concepts of Political Science. They have raised some fundamental questions that have travelled across time. However, different thinkers have provided different answers to the same questions. This course will not only delve into some of the important and perennial questions but also the answers provided by some of the key political philosophers.

Course Objectives:

To enable the students to understand the importance of historical and epistemic tradition of Indian Political Thought.
To introduce students to some of the key Indian political thinkers and their key ideas.
To situate political ideas within the broader social, cultural, and historical context of India, considering the impact of religion, caste, and class.

Course Outcomes:

Understand the importance of historical and epistemic tradition of Indian Political Thought.
Engage with some of the perennial questions and their answers provided by Indian political thinkers.
Develop confidence in accessing the classic texts in Indian philosophical tradition.
Analyse how the ideas of Indian political thinkers are relevant to contemporary political issues, governance, and societal challenges.
Have a profound understanding of Indian political philosophy, encouraging critical thinking and the application of ancient wisdom to contemporary political challenges.

Brief description of the modules:

Module1: Introduction

This module will focus on the epistemic foundations of Indian Political Thought. This module delves into the epistemic roots and diverse intellectual traditions that form the basis of Indian political thought. It explores the philosophical foundations, key concepts, and the evolution of political thinking in India through the ages. It will introduce the Epistemic foundations and traditions of Indian Political Thought

Module 2: Kautilya

This module will focus on the ancient Indian political philosopher and strategist Chanakya, also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta. Chanakya's seminal work, the "Arthashastra," is a foundational text in classical Indian political thought and covers various aspects of statecraft, governance, and political economy. It will explore Kautilya's insights on statecraft, including the organization of the state, administrative structures, and the role of the king in ensuring the welfare of the people.

Module 3: Ziauddin Barani

Ziauddin Barani was a prominent 14th-century Muslim scholar, historian, and political thinker in the Delhi Sultanate during the medieval period in India. This module delves into the political thought and historical writings of Ziauddin Barani, a key figure in the intellectual landscape of the Delhi Sultanate. It explores his views on governance, the state, and his historical narratives that provide insights into the political dynamics of medieval India.

Module 3: Swami Vivekanand

This module explores the life, teachings, and philosophical contributions of Swami Vivekananda, a key figure in the late 19th and early 20th-century Indian intellectual and spiritual renaissance. Focusing on his influential role in shaping modern Indian philosophy, the module delves into Vivekananda's thoughts on nationalism. It will encourage critical reflection on the applicability of Vivekananda's ideas in the contemporary world.

Module 4: M. K. Gandhi

This module is dedicated to the life, philosophy, and transformative influence of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, commonly known as Mahatma Gandhi. As a central figure in India's struggle for independence, Gandhi's principles of nonviolent resistance, moral leadership, and swaraj are explored in depth. The module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Gandhi's idea of Swaraj and its enduring impact on global movements for justice and peace. This module aims to inspire critical thinking and reflection on the enduring legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. By exploring his philosophy and leadership, students gain insights into the potential of nonviolent resistance as a force for positive change in the world.

Module 5: B. R. Ambedkar

This module is dedicated to the life, ideas, and contributions of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, popularly known as B. R. Ambedkar. As a prominent social reformer, jurist, and the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, Ambedkar's legacy extends beyond legal frameworks to encompass his relentless advocacy for social justice, equality, and the upliftment of marginalized communities. The module aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Ambedkar's multifaceted contributions to Indian society. This module aims to foster a deep appreciation for B. R. Ambedkar's contributions to Indian society and his tireless efforts towards social justice and equality. It encourages critical engagement with Ambedkar's ideas and their continued relevance in addressing contemporary social challenges. This module will take up the detailed understanding of the concept of Democracy and Social Change as propounded by Ambedkar:

Module 6: Pandita Ramabai

This module is dedicated to the life and contributions of Pandita Ramabai Sarasvati, a visionary social reformer, feminist, and educationalist in 19th and early 20th-century India. Renowned for her efforts in advocating for women's rights, education, and social reform, Pandita Ramabai's legacy includes the establishment of educational institutions and her role in challenging societal norms. This module aims to explore her multifaceted contributions to Indian society. This module will explore Ramabai's pioneering efforts in advocating for women's rights, gender equality, and her role in the early feminist movement in India. This module will focus on her ideas on the theme-Gender and Caste

Assessment Plan:

Assessment	Weightage
Assignment 1: engagement with the educational resources. This involves in-class quizzes and short response notes.	30%
Assignment 2: Assignments and/or presentations	30%
Assignment 3: End-term assessment	40%

References:

B. Parekh (1986) ‘Some Reflections on the Hindu Tradition of Political Thought’, in T. Pantham & K. Deutsch (eds.), Political Thought in Modern India, New Delhi: Sage, pp. 17- 31.
M. Shakir (1986) ‘Dynamics of Muslim Political Thought’, in T. Pantham, and K. Deutsch (eds.), Political Thought in Modern India, New Delhi: Sage Publications, pp. 142- 160.
Kautilya, (1997) ‘The Elements of Sovereignty’ in R. Kangle (ed. and trns.), Arthasastra of Kautilya, New Delhi: Motilal Publishers, pp. 511- 514.
M. P. Singh (2011), “Theory of State”, in M. P. Singh and Himanshu Roy (Ed.), Indian Political Thought: Themes and Thinkers, Pearson, pp. 1-17
Himanshu Roy and Muzaffar Alam, “Zia Barani: Good Sultan and Ideal Polity”, in M. P. Singh and Himanshu Roy (Ed.), Indian Political Thought: Themes and Thinkers, Pearson, pp. 30-41.
Amiya P. Sen, “Vivekanand: Cultural Nationalism”, in”, in M. P. Singh and Himanshu Roy (Ed.), Indian Political Thought: Themes and Thinkers, Pearson, pp. 93-106.
Parel, Anthony J. (ed.) (2002) ‘Introduction’, in Gandhi, Freedom and Self Rule, Delhi: Vistaar Publication
“Mahatma Gandhi”, Chakrabarty, Bidyut and Rajendra Kumar Pandey, Modern Indian Political Thought: Text and Context, New Delhi: Sage, 2020.
“B. R. Ambedkar”, Chakrabarty, Bidyut and Rajendra Kumar Pandey, Modern Indian Political Thought: Text and Context, New Delhi: Sage, 2020.
Madhu Jha, “Ramabai: Gender and Caste”, in M. P. Singh and Himanshu Roy (Ed.), Indian Political Thought: Themes and Thinkers, Pearson, pp. 123-134.
Machiavelli, The Prince, 2nd Edition. Translated and with an Introduction by Harvey Mansfield Jr. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1998)