Hindu Philosophy(Mimansa)

Hindu Philosophy is also known as Vedic Philosophy. Hindu Philosophy encompasses the
philosophies, and teachings of hinduism that emerged in ancient India. This philosophy shares a
connection to a certain core of hindu religious texts vedas. It includes six systems i.e Mimansa,
Sankhya ,Yoga, Nyaya,Vaisheshika and Vedanta.

Introduction of Mimansa
Mimansa is a scripture related to Hindu religion and is considered the most important tool
for interpretation of other Hindu scriptures. The meaning of Mimansha means revered
thought or critical investigation.
Mimamsa emphasizes the nature of dharma and the philosophy of language. itl is also known
for its in-depth study of ritual actions and social duties.Mimansa includes right action as per
vedas. How to execute your karma in order to achieve dharma or how to apply the rituals to
achieve liberation are the concerns of this philosophy. According to Mimamsa philosophy
Vedas are eternal and possess all knowledge, and religion means the fulfillment of duties
prescribed by the Vedas.It says that the essence of the Vedas is dharma. By the execution of
dharma one earns merit which leads one to heaven after death.Mimamsa is a very valuable
work. In the course of interpretation , there can be found many methods of interpretation
given by Manu, Narad, Vyas, Bhrispati and others but no concrete method of interpretation is
given by them as given by Jamini in Mimansa whose Sutras were explained whenever any
conflict was found between the various Smritis or any ambiguity, incongruity, or casus
omissus therein.
The Mimansa principles were created for religious purposes, but as they were so rational and
logical that they subsequently began to be used in law, grammar, logic, philosophy, etc. i.e.
they became universally acceptable.

Classification of Mimansa Principles

The principles of interpretation given in mimansa can be divided into five classes :-
1) Elementary principles or axioms of interpretation
2) General principles or maxims of interpretation
3) General principles regarding the application of texts.
4) Principles especially concerned with the interpretation of texts and usage.
5) Specific Maxims or nyayas.

1) Axioms of interpretation are six :-

i) Sarthakya - it means every word or a sentence has meaning and is used
purposely and none is useless.
 ii) Laghava- it means that where one rule or proposition would suffice, more
must not be assumed,or in other words,a construction making the meaning
shorter and simpler is to be preferred.

iii) Arthaikattva- it means that a word or a sentence occurring at the same place
should be assigned only one meaning and ont different meanings.
iv) Gunapradhana- when a word or a sentence used at a place to express a
subordinate idea, comes in conflict with the principal idea, it must be either
adjusted to the principal idea,or should be disregarded if it is not adjustable .
v) Samanjasya- it means that if it is possible to reconcile the word and sentences
used in a text, that meaning should be given to them which reconciles and the
meaning which causes conflict between them should not be assumed.
vi) Vikalpa-it means that where there is a real contradiction between two
texts,one of them should be adopted as a vikalpa or option.(this axiom is mostly
applicable to vedic texts).
2) The principle maxims are of four types:-
i) shruti- this means that the words are to be taken from their original sense.
ii)linga- if the ordinary sense of a word does not fit in the context the its
technical sense should be determined with reference to the context.
iii)vakya- this rule says that when word and sentences of a text are not
connected clearly, they should be arranged grammatically so as to give a sensible
meaning.
iv) prakarna-this rule is that when a sentence or clause does not give a
complete sense by itself,the correct and complete sense should be ascertained
with reference to the whole subject.
order of preference of these rules- these rules should be applied in which they
have been given and a latter rule should be resorted to only when the former rule
or rules fail to interpret.
3) General principles regarding the application of texts are of four types:-
i) The principle to determine obligatory,quasi obligatory and non-obligatory
nature of a text- It includes vidhi,nishedha,arthavada,namadheya,mantra. Vidhi
is the text containing positive command which is obligatory whereas nisheda
contains negative command as is obligatory too. arthavada is a non-obligatory
text and is connected to vidhi .It illustrates the Vidhi. namadheya, is also a
non-obligatory text.It is a categorisation including the lists of names given to the
various sacrifices as well as naming ritual activities.the mantras are formulae.It
is a sacred utterance believed to have religious, magical or spiritual powers.
ii) Adhikara Vidhi Principle- This principle lays down as to whom the vidhis are
applicable.
 iii) Uha Vichara- According to this rule,some words can be adapted from its
model or pattern.for example, while chanting mantra related to fire god (agni)
may also be applied to Surya(sun god) also by substituting Surya for Agni in
suitable case.
iv) Baadh- It is meant for adjusting the conflicting texts. if there are two
conflicting casual vidhis , the preceding and the other following,the preceding is
barred(secured) by the following.
4) Principles usually concerned with the interpretation of texts and usage:-
Some of mimansa rules lay down the relative authority for Shruti,Smriti and
Customs.Shruti is superior to and superades Smriti and Customs. Smriti loses its
authority if it is based on perverse motive and usage too. In case of two
conflicting usages, one that supports the Shrasthas would prevail.

5) Nyayas or specific maxims:-

They are expressed as general truth or principles.They are nuggets of words
which hold deep meaning.

Conclusion
It can be shown how Mimansa principles can be a powerful tool in the hands of
the Judge in molding the law to make it more rational, equitable and democratic.
Use of Mimansa Principles gives a flexibility which Western principles of
interpretation totally lack. Knowledge of the great achievements of our ancestors
will inspire us and give us the confidence and strength to solve our present
problems.
If the aforementioned rules under Mimansa Principles of Interpretation are
analyzed, the Laghav and Shruti Principle signifies what the Literal Rule of
Interpretation signifies.
Again, if the Linga Principle under Mimansa is concerned, it is similar to
Section 12 of Nepal Kanoon Byakhya Sambandhi Ain 2010. The Vakya Rule of
Interpretation is quite similar to the Mischief Rule of Interpretation.

cases
Sir John Edge, the then Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court, has referred to
the Mimamsa principle in Beni Prasad v Hardai Bibi.
Gunapradhan Axiom of the Mimamsa principle was applied for interpretation of
section 419 of UP Sales Tax Act in Amit Plastic Industry, Ghaziabad v Divisional
Level Committee, Meerut .