The Jaina Contribution to Indian Political Thought

Summary

B. A. Saletore’s essay surveys the distinctive contributions of Jain thinkers and rulers to Indian political theory. Starting from the Jain Sūtras, he notes that Jainism developed an ideal of universal monarchs who combined worldly power with spiritual discipline; figures such as Bharata and Bahubali renounced their empires after embracing the faith, illustrating the Jain emphasis on non‑possession and compassion. Saletore then discusses the medieval scholar Somadeva, whose Nitivākyāmṛta and Yaśastilaka present sophisticated analyses of government, justice and ethics. Somadeva argues that a righteous king should protect the state, maintain law and order, avoid over‑taxation and base policies on dharma and ahimsa. The author shows how Somadeva adapts the ancient saptāṅga theory of the state by emphasising the welfare of subjects over expansionist ambition and anticipates later theories of limited government by warning against deification of the state. Saletore also highlights historical rulers such as Kharavela of Kalinga and Kumārpāla of Gujarat, who instituted policies reflecting Jain ethics: they expanded trade and infrastructure, outlawed animal slaughter and promoted vegetarianism without resorting to aggression. Jain thinkers permit defensive wars but prohibit violence for conquest and urge rulers to pursue diplomacy and fair treaties. Overall, the essay argues that Jainism offered a coherent political philosophy integrating non‑violence, welfare economics and responsible kingship. Recognising these contributions challenges the notion that India’s political tradition is solely Brahmanical or Machiavellian and broadens our understanding of the subcontinent’s intellectual heritage.