Evolution of Hindu Moral Ideals

The Hindu society, with its dynamism of religious and ethical principles, has existed during the last 2500 years or more. The history of the ethical ideals of the Hindus presents two striking features. They have not remained stationary, but have changed in various directions from time to time, notwithstanding the fact that there is no breach in the continuity in the main webs of Indian culture. The learned author of the present work has taken up the questions to consider whether the Hindu ethical code has been rigid and flexible, whether it has been stationary and can afford to remain so, or has been affected by the political and economic environments and other factors. He has also dealt with the question whether the changes have been beneficial or otherwise, whether the Hindu social structure is likely to remain stable under the impact of Western ideas and what are the tendencies of the forces at work now among the Hindus. To achieve his purpose, the author has made an analytical study of the Hindu Dharmasastras, the source books of Hindu morals and laws and compared Hindu ideals and practices with those of the West.