The Enduring Legacy: Tracing Modern Jurisprudence In Ancient Indian Legal Thought
Dr. Pundreek Sharma*
ABSTRACT
This research paper examines the historical depth and richness of ancient Indian legal system, challenging the prevalent notion that modern Indian jurisprudence is solely an inheritance of British colonial legal traditions. The paper analyses key texts such as the Dharmashastra, Arthashastra, and Nyaya Shastra. It demonstrates how these ancient scriptures contained advanced principles pertaining to substantive law, procedural administration, judicial ethics, and forensic science, many of which predate and parallel contemporary legal concepts. Through a detailed comparative analysis, the study highlights the indigenous intellectual contributions to legal thought, emphasizing the integrated nature of ancient Indian law with philosophy and ethics. While acknowledging the impracticality of wholesale adoption of ancient codes in modern egalitarian society, the paper argues that recognizing this rich heritage is vital for fostering a nuanced understanding of India’s legal identity and for informing future scholarship and legal education.
