Reimagining socio-economic well-being through the integration of Arthashastra’s economic treatise and Madhva’s philosophical notion on social cohesion

Mathias Yuvan Shunmugam,Maniraj Sukdaven

doi:10.4102/tv.v46i1.139

Abstract

The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that has ravaged glocal societies of both developed and developing countries, has once again shown that there are some phenomena that are no respecters of societies. This is clearly observed in the most recent COVID-19 global statistics, where the most advanced country in the world has the greatest number of infections and deaths. Globally, there are 171.5 million COVID-19 cases, 153.7 million recoveries and 3.6 million deaths (worldmeters.info/coronavirus accessed 01 June 2021). Not only has COVID-19 devastated both developed and developing countries, but has also demonstrated the widening gulf between the rich and the poor. The Minority World were able to secure millions of vaccine doses for their citizens, while the Majority World had to wait in line. We have also witnessed an uprising recently (July 2021) in two of South African provinces of social dissolution where socio-economic and racial tension resulted in a number of deaths. It is within this context that this study aimed to examine how the integration of Arthashastra’s economic treatise and Madhva’s philosophical notion on social cohesion, can contribute to a just socio-economic society. Even though Arthashastra’s economic treatise and Madhva’s philosophical notion of social cohesion are common within Hinduism, and more specifically related to India, the global community will benefit from implementing the salient features from it for application in their contexts.

Highlights

According to the statistics of the worldwide coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) report, the five most affected countries presently are as follows: (1) United States of America– 34.1 million cases and 609.7 thousand deaths, (2) India – 28.2 million cases and 331.9 thousand deaths, (3) Brazil – 16.5 million cases and 462.9 thousand deaths, (4) France – 5.67 million cases and 109.5 thousand deaths, and (5) Turkey – 5.2 million cases and 47.5 thousand deaths
Unlike the Arthashastra that focuses on economic policies and social/governmental reforms, Madhva’s literary works focus solely on Dvaita philosophy, devotion to Vishnu, and a critique on Advaita and Visistadvaita
In terms of economic management, Madhva teaches that one must detach from performing actions that are for selfish purposes and rather perform actions that are aligned with Dharma – contributing to social welfare

Summary

Introduction

According to the statistics of the worldwide coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) report, the five most affected countries presently are as follows: (1) United States of America– 34.1 million cases and 609.7 thousand deaths, (2) India – 28.2 million cases and 331.9 thousand deaths, (3) Brazil – 16.5 million cases and 462.9 thousand deaths, (4) France – 5.67 million cases and 109.5 thousand deaths, and (5) Turkey – 5.2 million cases and 47.5 thousand deaths. Infrastructure as a theme of the Arthashastra relates to Madhva’s philosophy on social cohesion in encouraging the re-imagination of socio-economic wellbeing. The above-mentioned themes of the Arthashastra focus on ensuring economic development and social cohesion through well-structured management of state funds that centres on public welfare These themes are important to this discussion as they form the foundation of what socioeconomic well-being entails. Unlike the Arthashastra that focuses on economic policies and social/governmental reforms, Madhva’s literary works focus solely on Dvaita philosophy, devotion to Vishnu, and a critique on Advaita and Visistadvaita. In this sense Madhva contributes very little to economic policies and governmental structures.

Performance of one’s duty

Self-discipline

Findings

Conclusion