Rajdharma in the Vedic Philosophy: Some Philosophical Reflections

Abstract

In Vedic philosophy rajdharma or the duties and responsibilities of the ruler is aligned to prajādharma or the responsibility of the ruled or the people. The ultimate reality or Brahmaṇ is considered to be the ultimate ruler of the people and the first responsibility for the people is to understand that the we all are ultimately under the rule of the divine power. It is said in the Yajurveda- ‘Vayam prajāpateḥ prajā abhūm’ (YV 18.29). The present paper will examine the questions like who is the ultimate ruler, the divine power or the divine qualities in view of the central and overriding place of Dharma in polity. At the same time, it is an attempt to explore the place, functions, powers and immunities of the ruler in the Vedic philosophy and also his place as an intermediary between the heaven and the earth.