Ancient Indian traditions, especially the teachings of Buddhism and Jainism, strongly emphasized non-violence, compassion, and human dignity. Nagendra Singh has called the Buddhist emphasis on non-violence “a humanitarian doctrine par excellence,” dating back to the third century BCE. Hindu scripture, particularly the Bhagavad Gita, identifies divine qualities in individuals who practice kindness, humility, non-violence, truthfulness, and restraint. These virtues form the bedrock of the Indian approach to human rights.
The historical record demonstrates that ancient Indian civilizations valued human rights as deeply as their counterparts in Europe and the Middle East. Figures like Ashoka, the Prophet Muhammad, and Emperor Akbar all contributed meaningfully to the development of rights-based traditions.
Human Rights in British India
The modern discourse on human rights in India emerged prominently during British colonial rule. The colonizers’ discriminatory practices, coupled with suppression of civil liberties, catalyzed Indian demands for fundamental freedoms. Leaders like Lokmanya Tilak famously asserted that freedom was a birthright of every Indian. Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership transformed these aspirations into a nationwide movement focused on self-rule and civil liberties.
The British, under pressure, introduced reforms such as the Charter Act of 1813 and the Government of India Act of 1833. Queen Victoria’s 1858 proclamation recognized some principles resembling fundamental rights. The Indian National Congress, founded in 1885, played a key role in articulating the demand for constitutional guarantees of personal freedoms and equal treatment.
