The Evolution of Monarchy

Monarchical rule means that a single individual, typically referred to as a king or queen, controls all aspects of government. According to Louis XIV, the “Sun King,” was quoted as saying, “I am the state,” perhaps the most eloquent description of the power of an absolute monarch. With an absolute monarchy, the ruler has absolute authority to govern the country without being held accountable to any laws or authorities. The prevalent system of government in ancient India was probably absolute monarchy. The ancient Indian system was a monarchical one, as it was administered by kings.

Ancient India had a centralised government that controlled its citizens. Eventually, the king would become an all-powerful monarch in the Ancient Society. A large number of officials made up the court, including the chief queen (Mahishi), who aided in decision-making. In India, Absolute Monarchy began with the arrival of the Mauryans.

Following the early centuries of the Christian era, Absolute Monarchy was introduced to India. In all of India, absolute monarchy was instituted during this time. It demanded the word of the king as the law of the land, as he was the supreme authority. The Mauryan Empire was widespread throughout the Indian subcontinent in the period of the Mauryan Dynasty. As a result of the reigns of the Mauryas, the Guptas, and the Mughals, several small and large kingdoms were created throughout the country. Several kingdoms were established according to hereditary rule. A loyal minister appointed by the hereditary king or sub-king assisted them in their rule and ensured their continuation in office. In day-to-day matters, kings were dependent on ministers. Moreover, these ministers exercised great authority.

India used to have a monarchy based on the principle of King-in-Ministry during the mediaeval period. The ministries played an integral role in the functioning of the administrative apparatus. It continued to be an absolute rule in the Mughal era, and the emperor was the first to administer it. To ensure the proper functioning of the government, he used to convene private meetings with his Council of Ministers. Hence, the monarch, or king, has the power to lead his nation or state freely and to enforce certain laws upon its citizens.

Features of  the Evolution of Absolute Monarchy

• Practising or abstaining from any religion that is not authorised by the king constitutes a serious crime
• In an absolute monarchy, people do not have natural rights, and their only privileges are those granted by the monarch
• In the kingdom, treason and torture are the punishments for any complaints or protests directed against the king
• Neither the government nor the country’s course can be influenced by the people
• Normally, all laws are issued by the rulers, who serve only their own interests

Effects of the Evolution of Absolute Monarchy

• With the power of absolute monarchy, absolute monarchies attempted to consolidate their power inside their borders
• A large royal court would be set up. The royal household included all those who looked after the monarch and the royal family regularly. Monarchs would do this to seem powerful and in order to be able to control their nobility
• Absolute monarchies were greatly impacted by the Enlightenment and its ideas of liberty
• Religious belief was also closely controlled by absolute monarchies. In order to maintain power, monarchs needed to control what people heard
• Additionally, the government created large bureaucracies for the purpose of controlling the economy

Conclusion

Absolute monarchies have no constitutions or bodies of law overarching the decrees of the monarch. So, the monarch, or king, has the authority to rule his land or state freely while maintaining some laws. In India, therefore, the Absolute Monarch had absolute power over the people, the land, and even the aristocracy and clergy. It has often been found that absolute monarchs are often restricted in their power by one or more of these groups. Moreover, some monarchies had powerless or symbolic parliaments and other governmental units that could be changed or dissolved by the monarch as they saw fit. As a result of the arrival of the British, India’s whole concept of absolute monarchy changed, and now it is governed by the constitution. With its republican nature, India has become the world’s largest democracy.