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| Echoes of Ahimsa: The Historical Roots of Indian Philosophy of Peace and Its Relevance in Present Times |
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| Title | Echoes of Ahimsa: The Historical Roots of Indian Philosophy of Peace and Its Relevance in Present Times |
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| Article Credit | European Scientific Journal, ESJ, ISSN: 1857-7431 / 1857-7881, Vol.: 22, Issue: 37, Year: 2026, (Pubd in: Academia.edu) |
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| Author | Vikram Bhardwaj (Associate Professor, COE Government College Sanjauli, Shimla, India) |
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| Subject | This paper traces the historical evolution of Ahimsa (non-violence) in Indian philosophy, from Vedic and Upanishadic origins through Jain, Buddhist, and Hindu ethical traditions, to its political application by Ashoka and Gandhi, and its influence on modern Indian foreign policy and global peace movements. |
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| Category | Philosophy |
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| Country of Publication | Not clearly identified in the document. |
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| Main Topics | Historical origins of Ahimsa in Vedic texts and Upanishads, Jain and Buddhist contributions to non-violence, Ahimsa in Hindu epics and Dharmaśāstras, Ashoka's edicts and state policy of peace, Bhakti and Sufi movements' promotion of non-violence, Gandhi's Satyagraha and modern reinterpretations, Ahimsa in contemporary Indian foreign policy (NAM, Panchsheel, anti-apartheid), Relevance of Ahimsa to contemporary global challenges |
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| Number of Pages | 11 |
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| Language | English |
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| File Type | PDF |
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| File Size | 283.3 KB |
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Summary Note of this Document
This paper traces the historical journey of Ahimsa (non-violence) in Indian thought, from its early mentions in Vedic texts and the Upanishads to its systematic articulation in Jainism and Buddhism, and its nuanced treatment in Hindu epics and Dharmaśāstras. A pivotal moment was Emperor Ashoka's adoption of non-violence after the Kalinga War, reflected in his edicts that promoted tolerance, social welfare, and ethical governance. The Bhakti and Sufi movements further spread compassion and harmony, while Mughal Emperor Akbar's policy of Sulh-i-Kul exemplified non-violent governance in a pluralistic society. In the modern period, Mahatma Gandhi redefined Ahimsa as Satyagraha, a dynamic force for political resistance that inspired India's independence struggle and global movements like the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and anti-apartheid activism. The paper argues that Ahimsa transcends religious and cultural boundaries, offering a framework for conflict resolution, environmental ethics, and intercultural dialogue. It examines how post-independence India integrated Ahimsa into foreign policy through the Non-Aligned Movement, Panchsheel principles, and support for anti-apartheid, demonstrating its practical relevance. By revisiting these historical moments, the study contends that peace is not merely the absence of war but an active process of empathy, fairness, and shared responsibility, and that the Indian philosophy of Ahimsa provides valuable lessons for building a more just and sustainable world in the 21st century.
Core Themes
- Historical evolution of non-violence
- Religious and philosophical foundations of Ahimsa
- Ethical governance and state policy
- Non-violent resistance and social reform
- Ahimsa in international relations and diplomacy
Keywords
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