National Security And Ancient India: An Analysis From Historical Perspective

Abstract

It is largely believed that the idea of national security has been developed with the emergence of the nation-state in the 17th Century and it became popular during the period of Second World War. It is also true that the contemporary issues create a great stress and challenge upon the nation towards maintenance of the territorial integrity of a country. However, if we look back to India’s past, we can see the extremely rich practices of national security existed there in the history. There have been documents, guiding principles related to perseverance of peace and which worked as guiding philosophies for years are rarely acknowledged at international arena. To understand the Indian strategic culture, protective measures against threats and perseverance of peace within the territory, one must understand the principles embodied in the Vedas, Ramayana and Mahabharata and particularly the Arthashastra.  India, as a nation has witnessed several phases of development in the history. Amongst all, the Mughal and the Maratha phases are marked for their excellent performances in real power politics and the securing of a state’s security interests.