{"id":8354,"date":"2025-09-08T14:30:59","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T14:30:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-ancient-legal-system-and-modern-laws-2\/"},"modified":"2025-09-09T13:20:45","modified_gmt":"2025-09-09T13:20:45","slug":"the-ancient-legal-system-modern-laws","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-ancient-legal-system-modern-laws\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ancient Legal System And Modern Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"<article>\n<h2>Abstract &#8211; History of Indian Law<\/h2>\n<section>\n<p class=\"lead\">Law as a matter of religious perception develops in the history of India. Different Vedas speak about the ancient philosophy of Indian laws.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-ancient-legal-system-modern-laws\/#Abstract_-_History_of_Indian_Law\" >Abstract - History of Indian Law<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-ancient-legal-system-modern-laws\/#History_of_Judicial_System\" >History of Judicial System<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-ancient-legal-system-modern-laws\/#The_Basis_of_Ancient_Laws_%E2%80%94_Dharma\" >The Basis of Ancient Laws \u2014 Dharma<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-ancient-legal-system-modern-laws\/#Judiciary_in_Ancient_Indian_Law\" >Judiciary in Ancient Indian Law<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-ancient-legal-system-modern-laws\/#Role_of_Panchayat\" >Role of Panchayat<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-ancient-legal-system-modern-laws\/#Role_of_Lawyers\" >Role of Lawyers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-ancient-legal-system-modern-laws\/#Role_of_Witnesses\" >Role of Witnesses<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-ancient-legal-system-modern-laws\/#Present_Legal_System\" >Present Legal System<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-ancient-legal-system-modern-laws\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>Law in India varied from religion to religion and from emperor to emperor. The Vedas, which are also called <strong>Shruti<\/strong> (\u201cwhat is heard\u201d), are revealed texts. Like other revealed texts, the Vedas contain many rules of positive law. It is believed that the Rishis or sages of immemorial antiquity heard them and transmitted them to the next generation.<\/p>\n<p>There is another class of scripture known as the <strong>Smriti<\/strong>, which means tradition or \u201cwhat is remembered.\u201d Smritis are different from Shrutis as they are not direct perceptions of divine precepts but are indirect perceptions founded on memory.<\/p>\n<p>India has witnessed legal history from its Vedic period. It is believed that India had some kind of legal system during the Bronze Age. From 300 A.D. to 1192 A.D., India is said to have been the world\u2019s most developed country; its GDP was equivalent to 25% of the world\u2019s GDP, followed by China with 15%. This tremendous development would have been impossible without a sound justice-dispensing system.<\/p>\n<p>To find which legal system was the most effective and had the highest satisfaction, we should conduct an impartial study of both the ancient legal system and the present situation.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"History_of_Judicial_System\"><\/span>History of Judicial System<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<section>The history of the Indian judiciary can be classified into different stages: the judicial system before British rule (ancient Indian laws), the medieval period, and the judiciary after British rule.<\/p>\n<p>India has one of the oldest and most efficient judicial systems in the world. However, many writers in scriptures and history have given different views, some even criticizing it as being full of absurdities. Hon\u2019ble Justice S. S. Dhavan of the Allahabad High Court stated that the legal system in ancient India was much better and more mature, and even impartial English historians themselves admitted its superiority. In contrast, others, either in ignorance or with the intention to defy Indian culture, created a false impression of the social conditions of pre-British India.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Basis_of_Ancient_Laws_%E2%80%94_Dharma\"><\/span>The Basis of Ancient Laws \u2014 Dharma<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<section>The basis of ancient laws evolved from the <em>Dharmashastra<\/em>. The concept of <strong>Dharma<\/strong> played a vital role in Indian laws, meaning more than a code of law. From the Vedic period up to the Muslim invasion, from king to servant, everyone was bound by Dharma.<\/p>\n<p>The word <em>Dharma<\/em> is derived from <em>\u201cdhr,\u201d<\/em> meaning to uphold, sustain, or nourish. Dharma signified behaviors considered to be in accord with <em>Rta<\/em>, the order that makes life and the universe possible, and included duties, rights, laws, conduct, virtues, and the \u201cright way of living.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Dharma was a unique blend of rigidity and flexibility. It protected eternal principles while accepting valid traditions. Shrutis stood for universal, eternal, and fundamental principles, while Smritis stood for values derived from these principles, expressed in the relative and temporary field of social life.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cWe know that, in our books, a clear distinction is made between two sets of truths. One set abides forever, being built on the nature of man, the nature of the soul, the soul\u2019s relation to God, and so on. The other set comprises the minor laws, which guide the working of our everyday life\u2026 The customs of one age, of one Yuga, have not been the customs of another, and as Yugas change, they too will change.\u201d \u2014 Swami Vivekananda<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/section>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Judiciary_in_Ancient_Indian_Law\"><\/span>Judiciary in Ancient Indian Law<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<section>In ancient times, the king was also subject to law. There was no existence of arbitrary power vested in superior authority; the king too was supposed to fulfill his duties. A breach of duty could result in forfeiture of kingship.<\/p>\n<p>Ancient Indian law set one of the highest standards of antiquity in terms of ability, learning, integrity, impartiality, and independence of the judiciary. Judges were independent and subject only to law.<\/p>\n<p>The Rule of Law can also be traced to the Vedas, which state that law is supreme, or \u201claw is the king of kings.\u201d The rule of law was more powerful than the king. There was nothing higher than law. The people were even instructed to depose a king who failed to protect them, deprived them of their property, or refused to take advice. Such a king was seen as a misfortune, not a ruler. By the supremacy of law, the weak could prevail over the strong and justice would win.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Role_of_Panchayat\"><\/span><a href=\"\/legal\/article-8234-panchayati-raj-system-prior-and-after-the-73rd-amendment.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Role of Panchayat<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<section>The concept of the village council, much like the modern Panchayat, existed in ancient times. These councils, consisting of five or more members, delivered justice at the village level. They dealt with endowments, irrigation, cultivable land, punishment of crimes, and simple civil and criminal cases.<\/p>\n<p>At higher levels, in towns and districts, courts were presided over by government officers under the authority of the king. The link between the village assembly and official administration was the village headman.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Role_of_Lawyers\"><\/span><a href=\"\/lawyers\/lawyers_home.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Role of Lawyers<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<section>The Vedas mention that skilled persons were required for litigation. Smritis indicate that highly qualified persons, well-versed in legal literature, could assist parties in legal disputes.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Role_of_Witnesses\"><\/span>Role of Witnesses<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<section>In ancient India, hearsay was not allowed. A witness in a foreign country could, however, give evidence in writing before a learned man in the three Vedas, and the writing could be read in court. At least two to three witnesses were required; the concept of a single witness was not accepted, except when both parties approved.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Present_Legal_System\"><\/span>Present Legal System<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<section>The Constitution of India is the guiding light in all matters executive, legislative, and judicial. It is extensive and aims to be sensitive to people\u2019s needs. The Constitution redirected the system originally introduced to serve colonial interests towards social welfare. It explicitly, and through judicial interpretation, seeks to empower the weakest members of society.<\/p>\n<p>From being an artifice of colonial masters, the Indian legal system has evolved into an essential part of the world\u2019s largest democracy and a crucial instrument in securing constitutional rights for every citizen.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<section>The laws in ancient India were far more community-centered and flexible than the present laws. Present-day Indian laws, heavily influenced by the British system, are rooted in an alien philosophy that had a significant impact on Indian judiciary. The British supplanted ancient Indian law and introduced their own system in its place.<\/p>\n<p><b>The present legal system remains highly influenced by the British, and there are multiple reasons why it may not be entirely suitable for India:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>The present legal system originates from Britain, where all powers devolved from a single monarch, unlike India\u2019s diverse traditions.<\/li>\n<li>The British tried to impose uniformity in a land with diverse customs, castes, and religions, which was alien to them.<\/li>\n<li>In ancient times, a learned person could act as a voice in court, but British-style courts introduced technical rules of evidence and specialized lawyers, making justice less accessible.<\/li>\n<li>Ancient Panchayats negotiated and sought compromise, while modern courts often leave one party as the clear loser.<\/li>\n<li>Ancient laws were flexible, while British law prized rigidity and certainty, even before disputes arose.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Thus, the adoption of the British system created a disconnect between law and society. Even after decades of independence, the administration of justice has not fully satisfied the aspirations of the people, largely because of the imposition of a foreign legal structure and the discarding of indigenous systems of justice administration.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<p>References:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dharma<\/li>\n<li>The Legal system in ancient India<\/li>\n<li>E.B. Havell, <em>The History of Arayan Rule in India<\/em>, p. xi (London George G. Harrap &amp; Company Ltd: Portsmouth Street Kingsway W.C, MCMXVIII).<\/li>\n<li>Cowell (1872), <em>History of the Constitution of the Courts and Legislative Authorities in India<\/em>, p. 3<\/li>\n<li>S.S. Dhawan, \u2018The Indian Judicial System: A Historical Survey,\u2019 http:\/\/www.allahabadhighcourt.in\/event\/TheIndianJudicialSystem_SSDhavan.pdf<\/li>\n<li>26 Supra note 25.<\/li>\n<li>http:\/\/www.ghadar.in\/gjh_html<\/li>\n<li>Wilie, \u2018Bengal as a Field of Missions\u2019, p. 286; 1854<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Abstract &#8211; History of Indian Law Law as a matter of religious perception develops in the history of India. Different Vedas speak about the ancient philosophy of Indian laws. Law in India varied from religion to religion and from emperor to emperor. The Vedas, which are also called Shruti (\u201cwhat is heard\u201d), are revealed texts.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":434,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[19],"tags":[24],"class_list":{"0":"post-8354","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-civil-law","7":"tag-just-in"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8354","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/434"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8354"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8354\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8354"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8354"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8354"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}