India Profile

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Ancient Indian Culture as Human Culture

India is an ancient society but a modern State. The Indian ethos has largely been a tolerant society embracing and respecting the dignity of its friends and foes alike. Because Indian culture was more receptive in respecting the inherent worth of others, it had the tendency to overlook the so called alien aspects and build a society based on the principles of cooperation rather than competition.

People from far and wide were attracted to India, whether it was the quest for material El Dorado or spiritual solace. India has always welcomed and accommodated people from alien societies. The very fact that Indian culture could withstand and flourish amidst foreign ideologies both social and religious, speaks volumes for its eclecticism. In a way Indian culture has emphasized some of the fundamental principles of modern day philosophy of human rights from alien societies. The very fact that Indian culture could withstand and flourish amidst foreign ideologies both social and religious, speaks volumes for its eclecticism. In a way Indian culture has emphasized some of the fundamental principles of modern day philosophy of human rights from time past which may be evidenced in a declaration made in he Rig Veda:

O one is superior or inferior. All are brother. All should strive for the interest all and should progress collectively.

Mandala 5, Sukta 60, Mantra 5.

Akin to this is the concept of human rights associated with the worth and dignity of the individual, according highest respect to human personality without any discrimination on grounds of caste, religion, creed, race, colour, sex or place of birth.

Undoubtedly, such a respect for inherent human attribute cultivated an atmosphere conducive to the development and nurturing of a society for all.

The ancient Indian social system was based on the principles of division of labour strictly relying on the aptitude and functional specialization of a person. This heavily corresponds to the Greek theory of Ideal State as portrayed by Plato in his work, The Republic. Plato has categorized society into three classes-Gold, Silver and Copper. Similarly, the Varna Vyavastha (caste system), initially based on innate nature(guna) and individual’s choice of work (shrama), was divided into four classes-Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra. However, the difference lies in the fact that Indian thinkers could translate their idea into practice whereas in Greek culture it remained only as a doctrine.

Human lfie was defined in terms of human dignity. And ultimate individual development depended solely upon theuplife and enrichment of humanity a whole. The Sutra (principles) of Athar Veda proclaim: