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Understanding the Indic idea of the Political, the Self, Rule and Legitimacy

A Comparative Political Interpretation of the Bhagwad Gita

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  • Sanhita Joshi Assistant Professor, University of Mumbai

Keywords:

Bhagavad Gita, dharma, legitimacy, comparative political theory

Abstract

This paper tries to do a comparative political-theoretical reading of the Bhagavad Gita. It explores its significance within both Indian philosophical traditions, indigenous epistemic framework and western political theoretical discourses. The paper scrutinizes some indigenous core themes such as dharma, nishkam karma, svadharma and loksamgrah in the Gita. It also examines them in the light of some western discursive traditions. Methodologically, the paper uses textual analysis and comparative political theory to explore conversations about some political concepts such as ‘the political’, the Self, Rule and legitimacy which are commonly used in the vocabulary of political science. It also engages in the discussion of how these conversations help us widen our understanding of concepts like justice, duty, and ethical action. This will enable us to provide a cross civilisational dialogue on these significant ideas. By engaging in a discursive integration of Western political thought with Indian philosophical perspectives, the paper interrogates the Gita’s relevance in contemporary political contexts too. Finally, the paper establishes that the Bhagavad Gita is not merely a static sacred or theological scripture but a dynamic text on political philosophy as well. It has immense potential to offer treasured insights for many of our contemporary political issues and challenges in both Indian and global contexts. Thus, the paper reaffirms that Gita should not merely be studied as a spiritual and religious text but should also be well regarded as a text pregnant with deep and discursive political meanings.

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Posted

2025-06-23