Divine Origin of State : 

This is the oldest theory of origin of state. It is also known as the theory
of divine right of Kings. This theory believe that the state did not come
into being by any effort of man. It is created by God. This is basically
founded on religion or religious feeling. According to this theory, state
has been created by God. God itself rules a state or sends any
representative for this work who rules on his behalf. The King is above
law and no subject has any right to question his authority or his action
.He is accountable to God, not to the general public. 

History of Divine Theory:

 The ancient people believe the King is the representative of God on
earth and the state is a bliss of God. Divine nature of state was
propounded in western political thinking. The first supporters of this
theory were the Jews.  In ancient India the Kings ruled over the people
according to the injunction of the Dharma, which stood for both religion
and politics. This theory was propounded in Hindu scriptures,
Manusmriti and ‘Mahabharata’.

Basic elements of this theory are as under: 

1. State is an organisation created by God. “God has created it for
betterment of people”. 
2. It is the religious duty of the public to obey the king. To oppose the
king means to oppose God. . 
3. King is representative of God. He is accountable and responsible only
to God.
4. Public has no right to oppose a tyrant. God himself will punish him
for his wrong deeds. 
5. King is not under any law. He is law-maker. 
6. Order of the king is law and his actions are always just and kind. 
7. No power on earth can restrict the will and power of king. 
8. To express resentment to the power of government and to condemn
his acts as unjust is a sin.

Criticism of Divine Theory: 

1. Theory has not on logical basis. can be accepted only on the religious
beliefs,

2. This theory is against democracy and supports monarchy. Many kings

exploit their general public for power and wealth. 

3. No public welfare can be done as because opposing the king has been
considered as a crime against God and a sin. Hence theory is
conservative.

4. Not applicable on Modern states. 

Causes of the Decline of the Divine Theory:

 1. when a more acceptable theory like the social contract theory came
out, the divine theory was dashed to the ground. The theory said
the state is a handiwork of men, not a grace of God.

2. The Reformation Movement in the sixteenth century Europe,

which curbed the authority of the Pope and the Church and at the
same time brought the monarch and the people in the limelight.

3. The final nail of the coffin of the divine right theory was the
modern theory of Thomas Hill Green that democracy, i.e., will of
the people was the basis of the state.

Importance of Divine Theory: 

This theory was the first attempt to explain the origin of state on which
many theories were based later on. This theory is considered the starting
of the history of the origin of state This theory does not explain the
origin of state correctly, still there are some good things in it, This
theory had helped establish peace and harmony in the earlier society.
This theory show the importance of religion in state. This theory also
created the moral responsibility of the rulers, because they were cast
with a divine injunction to rule to the perfect satisfaction. It creates
discipline and obedience among people.
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