The System of State Governance in the Vedic Ageand its Current Relevance : A Study

Abstract

   The Vedas are the source of Hindu culture, the pinnacle of Āryan civilization. The etymological meaning of the word ‘Veda; is knowledge. But this knowledge is not worldly knowledge, it is the enlightened wisdom revealed in the heart of the Vedic sage. Along with spiritual theories, various images of the social system of the time have been reflected in Vedic literature. The Vedic Saṁhitās give an insight into the contemporary political situation. A study of the four Saṁhitās provide detailed information about the election of kings, royal duties, cabinet formation, finance and taxation policies of that period. When discussing the administration system of the modern state, it is seen that Vedic principles have been followed in some places directly and in some places indirectly. Objectives of this paper are: to explore the governance system of the Vedic period, to make a comparative study between the system of state governance in the Vedic age and the modern era, and to explore the relevance of principles and values of Vedic governance in present political system.