27 Nov The concept of Ram reflected in Indian Constitution
Context : India is celebrating 72nd constitution day on 26th Nov because on this day , our constitution was adopted and enacted by the constitutional assembly on 26 Nov 1949. The ideals are Ramrajya is reflected in our constitution therefore The Picture of Rama along with Sita and Lakshman is there on the page of Fundamental Rights because in the Ramrajya fundamental rights of every citizens were very well protected
Introduction : Ramrajya is not a religious concept it is a political concept and refers to a public welfare state where the rights of Public were protected up to extreme level, where the democratic value system was established and it ensured the happiness of all the people (Happiness index was at its height).
Ram Rajya can be equated with the concept of golden state or Eutopia (Author – Thomas More during Renaissance Period of Europe ). The concept of Ideal state was an imaginary concept given in the book Utopia but In Indian context, RamRajya was the concept of an ideal state where the Kings had to accept the decision of the public. King could not take any decision without the consent of the public.
Even Though this is also an imaginary concept and no state can meet with this concept but at least this concept shall be inspiration for our democratic system
Our National Movement was also fought for bringing Ramrajya where there should not be any type of descrimination, any type of exploitation (Social, political , religious and economical ), any type of opperassive administration . This concept ensures Justice, equality , fraternity, freedom of every citizen of the state without any descrimination .
This concept follows the concept of प्रजासुखे सुखं राज्ञः प्रजानां तु हिते हितम् । नात्मप्रियं हितं राज्ञः प्रजानां तु प्रियं हितम् (The happiness of the ruler lies in the happiness of his subjects. It is not what the ruler likes that matters, but only what people like.’) described in Arthashastra and similar instruction was given to Yudhisthir in Santiparva of the Mahabharata
Reflection of elements of RamRajya in Indian Constitution :
In Preamble where we assure to provide Justice (Social , economical and Political), Equality (of status and of opportunity) and to promote among them all FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation. All these exist in the concept of Ramrajya also
The fundamental right where we are provided some rights guaranteed by state and the nature of directive principles of state policy is reflection of social justice (Gandhian style ) is reflection of the concept of RamRajya . Ram Rajya is envisioned as that state of governance where the ruler is wise enough to place the good of the people above the interest of his own.
Criticism of RamRajya : Some scholars criticise the concept of Ramrajya on the following ground
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Rama expelled Sita (Downgrade and pathetic condition of women)
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Killing of Smbook (Who was dalit saint)
In fact, the concept of Ram Rajya is an ideal and inspirable concept (Which is not the historical truth) and it can be also justified that the expulsion of Sita was the compulsion of Rama as he was bounded with Rajdhrama (A type of constitution) Ram did not expel Sita (His wife), he expelled Sita (A Mahishi, a constitutional post and one person was against this). Similarly Rama was bound by the Rajdhrama in the act of killing of Sambook (To protect Chaturvarna system). The main concern is that Rama was bound to follow the Raj dhrama (A type of constitution) and how the Rajdhrama of that time is not the subject of debate.
Conclusion
On the basis of the above description , the concept of Ram Rajya is a secular concept and reflects in the ideologies of our constitution makers like Ambedkar and our constitution is the replica of the concept of Ram Rajya . This is our duty to follow the instructions of the constitution and to implement those elements .
Plutus IAS Current Affairs Team Member
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