DAULAT RAM COLLEGE

INDIAN POLITICAL THOUGHT

TOPIC: BRAHMANISM VS
SHRAMANISM

KOMAL - 949
URVASHI - 1870
ANUKRITI SRIVASTAVA - 1240
KUMARI ARJU - 269
MEGHA SINGH - 945
TINA - 273
NASREENA IBRAHIM - 259
AANCHAL TYAGI - 267
 Introduction
Brahmanism

•Brahmanism believe in sanctity of Vedas. (1500 to500 B.C)

•Brahmanic Period is divided in two types:
1. Early Vedic period
2. Later Vedic period
•They proclaimed that the world is creation of God.
•Caste hierarchy .

Shramanism
•Originate from Sanskrit word "shram" .
•They don’t believe in ritualism & social hierarchy propounded by
Brahmanism.
•They attracted majority of oppressed caste and creed.
SOCIAL ORDER
Varna Ashrama
• Brahmanism
Brahmanism :

 Superiority of Vedas. Brahmins

Brahmacharya
 Varna :- prakriti (quality) (purity)
• Brahmins (satva )
• kshatriyas (rajas)
Kshatriyas
• vaishyas (tamas ) Grihastha
(Courage)
• Shudras (X)

 Ashrama :- purpose Vaishyas

• Brahmacharya (education) (Self Vanaprastha
• Grihastha (household) interest)
• Vanaprastha (preparatory stage)
• Sanyasa (salvation)
Shudras Sanyasa
 Ascetism – after following each stage
duties.
 Shramanism
Shramanism

 No Sanctity to Vedas.
 No Varna system .
Classification in functional
groups.
 Social equality , no hierarchy.
 Challenged social division &
caste hierarchy of Brahmanism.
• Rejected authority of Brahmins
• Opposed ritualistic learning of
Vedas.
 Ascetism – at any stage of life.
 Goal of life
Both Brahmanism and Shramanism believed in transmigration and
salvation
Difference in view in path to attain salvation or moksha

BRAHMANISM :
Philosophy of advaitwad – salvation is unification of soul with God
To attain salvation – external illumination and grace of God
needed
SHRAMANISM :
Didn’t believe in soul and god
To attain salvation – self illumination under guidance of spiritual
leader .
BRAHMANISM
• It developed system of ashrama and if an individual is able to Fulfill the
duties of all stages then he will attain salvation
• Goal of life in :
Early Vedic period – Dharma , artha , kaama , heaven
Later Vedic period –Dharma , artha , kaama , moksha

SHRAMANISM -: divided in two major school of thoughts and each follows

different path to attain salvation
• JAINISM
• Tri- ratana ( right believe , knowledge and conduct ) to attain siddha-sila
• Avoid evil deeds and take 5 vows
• BUDDHISM
• Middle way ( avoid both indulgence and severe asceticism ) – known as
noble eight fold paths
• 4 noble truths to attain liberation from sansara : dukkha ,
samudaya ,nirodha ,magga
 ROLE AND STATUS OF INDIVIDUAL

According to Brahmanism :- Individual is less autonomous in

socio-religious domain, birth in particular caste based on
karma, for attaining the salvation there is a need of external-
illumination.
According to Shramanism:- In Buddhism, Individual
autonomy is important, individual can attain enlightenment
(Nirvana), created opportunities for women and Dhamma
has no gender.
In Jainism, Take extreme-path,
non-violence, women are seen
as agents of salvation.
 Commonality between brahmanic &shramanic traditions

• Interplay of danda and dharma

• Dharma over danda
• Monarchy most suitable form of rule
• Limited sovereignty
• Plurality
• Divinity
 Brahmanic Vs Shramanic
Political Thoughts

• Divinity:
Brahmanism believes in Divine Origin of Kingship but initially
Shramanism doesn’t.
• State Origin:
Brahmanism - Religious/Theological Theory of State Origin.
Shramanism - Humanist Theory of State Origin.
• Socio-Political Order:
State is to maintain Varna and Ashram Dharma as per
Brahmanism.
Shramanism expect State to promote Social justice and equality
Brahmanism advocates for the clear
separation of Dharma and politics on
the other hand Shramanism
propounds the two wheel theory.

In Brahmanism the core alliance was

between kshatriya and Brahmins
In Shramanism the alliance was
between the kshatriya and vaishyas.

Brahmanism practice hierarchy in

society but Shramanism don’t have
hierarchical based society.
RELEVANCE OF
BRAHMINIC & SHRAMANIC
TRADITION

 Concept of Dharma in both. Dhamma (duty) in

the constitution of India.

 Importance of progressive ideas of Shramanism

in democratic countries.

 Buddhism believes in deliberative democracy ,

sanghas ,equal status to women.
• Brahmanism ,an orthodox tradition ; Sanyasa .

• Criminal justice system in India focuses on reformation

and rehabilitation of criminals as was stated by
Buddhism.

• Balance between Dharma (moralist) and Danda (realist)

.

• Vedas and SDGs

• Need to strengthen the spirit of love and harmony

( Vedas).