NATIONAL LAW INSTITUTE UNIVERSITY, BHOPAL

SOCIOLOGY – II

Synopsis
Trimester-II

PURUSHARTHA SYSTEM IN INDIA: A CONCEPTUAL

STUDY

Submitted by:- Submitted to:-

Prabhav Sharma Dr. Bir Pal Singh

Roll no. – 2019B.A.LL.B.28

INTRODUCTON

Purushartha literally means an "object of human pursuit". It is a key concept in Hinduism, and
refers to the four proper goals or aims of a human life. The term is derived from the
Sanskrit, purusha, meaning "person," and artha, meaning "purpose." The four purusharthas are
considered to be the following:

1. dharma (moral duty)
2. artha (economic prosperity)
3. kama (love or pleasure)
4. moksha (spiritual liberation)

The Purusharthas serve as pointers in the life of a human being. They are based on the vision of
God which is evident in the creation He manifested and which can be followed by man to be part
of that vision and in harmony with His aims. His worlds are established on the principles of
dharma. 

All four Purusarthas are important, but in cases of conflict, Dharma is considered more

important than Artha or Kama in Hindu philosophy. Moksha is considered the ultimate ideal of
human life. At the same time, this is not a consensus among all Hindus, and many have different
interpretations of the hierarchy, and even as to whether one should exist.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The concept of purushartha system which emerged in the early development of hindu society but
later changed with the growth and development of society and has been into a ideal concept of
the righteous way of living.

OBJECTIVES OF STUDY

1. To have a basic understanding of the origin of the purushartha system in India.

2. To analyze the development and progress of this concept with the changes in society.
3. To distinguish and clarify all the different four categories of purusharths which have to be
followed in the daily course of life as per hindu tradition.
4. To clarify its position in relation to the contemporary society and how it emerged in
various ways.
5. To gain some basic understanding of the concept and how this concept had a great impact
on the Indian society to emerge.

HYPOTHESIS

Purushartha system evolved during the early vedic society and has became a part of living
structure during that period but later it became more complex and difficult and has turned
into a ideal concept of Hinduism.

METHOD OF STUDY

The project work would be based on doctrinal method of research.

CHAPTERIZATION

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

CONCLUSION

BIBLIOGRAPHY