Shodh Prabha: A Multidisciplinary Journal

From Rta to Constitutional Duties: The Evolution of Dharma in Bharatiya Political and Philosophical Tradition

In Bharatiya traditions, the concept of Dharma has meant as the path of righteousness, duties and truthfulness, and has been discussed in the texts since ancin traditions. This study shall trace the evolution of Dharma across the ages and understand the journey from the cosmic order Rta in Rigveda has lived in the human society and taken form of moral and universal order. This paper has thoroughly focused on the verses and the teachings of ancient texts and traditions. The study dived into the writings of various Bharatiya thinkers and philosophers such as Kautilya and court members such as Abul Fazl and leaders such as Ahilyabai Holker, from Sri Aurobindo to Bal Gangadhar Tilak, from Swami Vivekananda to Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, from M.K. Gandhi to Dr. Hedgewar, and from Jawaharlal Nehru to K.M. Munshi. The paper has studied the discussions of Constitutional Assembly Debates. In this paper, the value of Dharma has been traced from the Directive Principles of State Policies and Fundamental Duties. And similar values have also been traced across the rule of different governments in Bharat. This paper has also discussed the western concept of Religion and traced the role of spirituality led religious values in reviving the nationalistic values and its relationship with the Dharma. Thus, this study extensively deals with the political and philosophical roots of Bharatiya values of Dharma which transformed from Rta to Constitutional Duties.