Dr. Shrikrishna Jugnu

Indologist and Author

Om Mangalam Bhagwan Vishnu Mangalam, Dhwaj Mangalam, Pundarikaksha Mangalayatan Hari, in this courtyard, look around and you will see our culture in its full glory. So many rituals, so many traditions, The earth itself seems to revolve around you. If you don’t see it, then don’t call it a mere corner, I will say that this is India, my fate and fortun.
Acknowledgements

It is my privilege to speak before the revered Mohan Bhagwat ji, my fortune to have Acharya Shri Mithilesh Nandini ji here and my friends, respected Dharmendra ji of Bhopal and these are always engaged in the service of the people.

The Connection between People and Scriptures

This is such a complex yet simple topic and many of my problems have already been lucidly explained by Dr. Nagaraj ji. I bow to Madam Santishree and also gratefully remember the organisers. My point is that, what is in the people (Lok) is in the scriptures (Shlok). The scriptures only guide, but the rest is all about the memories and traditions of the people. All the policy texts that have developed are rooted in the people. Manu, Kamandak, Chanakya, Brihaspati Sutra, or Brihaspati Smriti, there is a long chain of scriptures along with the Saptarishis. All of them revolve around the well-being of people.

The Role of Justice in Society

I am amazed to see that all the scriptures are centred on the people, where security and justice are the primary needs. This is how it should be and the people trust it. Our traditions are so beautifully woven into the fabric of society. I remember Varahamihira, who compiled all the traditions of the people into a justice text, Brihat Samhita and he never strayed from the people. He became the greatest scientist because he knew that the people’s experiences of justice were the most dignified. Insights from the Malla Purana, another thing I recall is that in the traditions and beliefs of the people, justice has always been present and never strayed away.

Many of my topics have already been covered, but I want to mention a few things that come to my mind. One is the Malla Purana, which I  recently translated for the first time. It is a vast text connected to Gujarat and South India. The Malla kings used to add “Mall” to their names, later replaced by “Singh.” The text describes how the Mallas protected the people and how Krishna advised King Someshwar that the kingdom was blessed where a Malla resides. The villages, the people and the children who aspire to become Mall  are all blessed. This is beautifully described in the Malla Purana.

The Essence of Tradition in Texts

The entire text is rooted in the people, not borrowed from any external scripture. It is all derived from the people. Friends, we should read the Manasollas, a great text that inspires us to act. It guides us on how to prepare for security, for journeys and for battles. Varahamihira wrote three texts—Laghu Yatra, Yoga Yatra and Brihat Yatra. All of them are about preparations for security.

The Role od Castes in Security

I also recall a conversation with Pandit ji and I felt proud. In our society, many castes exist solely for the purpose of security. I am from Rajasthan, where castes such as Sansi, Mogiya, Kanjar, Bawaria and Bandiya Pardhi are known for their roles in security. These communities were settled outside villages to protect the entire village. In our tradition, even brothers were sent to the borders to guard the kingdom so that they could become strong Malla Yodhas.

The Importance of Traditions

All these systems are so beautifully embedded in our society. But since other laws came into place, we have somewhat ignored these traditions. Today, I feel these traditions are still relevant. We sit in large gatherings and discuss them as if we have forgotten them, But they remain a great truth.

The Village and Its Significance

The village still holds onto these traditions. One thing about the village is that we, in the city, tend to forget it. In the village, as you mentioned Veergal, there is another inscription found all over the country, But no one talks about it-Gadhegal. My friends from Maharashtra and Rajasthan know about it. If any prohibition or restriction is imposed for security, Gadhegal is informed. If someone does not comply, an injunction is placed. There are many such inscriptions in Maharashtra.

Symbolism of Hathi Stambh

Similarly, the Hathi Stambh (Elephant Pillar) in our tradition represents all prohibitions and boundaries. It stands as a symbol of the limits we have to set. There are many such instances, but due to time constraints, I will share a small anecdote and conclude.

The Essence of Lok

I want your attention on this The people (Lok) are your people, my people and their people. The people are everyone’s people. This is the Lok where creation happens, where people meet. From the village to the nation, from the family to the clan, the society is divided into many parts, but the Lok is visible to the naked eye. It is the Lok that has nurtured our traditions, customs and policies. It is the Lok that has given us reforms and development.The Lok creates problems and also provides solutions. Tell me, who is there besides the Lok?

The Supremacy of Lok

The Lok is the greatest institution of creation. What system is greater than the Lok? If justice is discussed in the Lok, what else is there to discuss? The foundation, expansion and scope of justice lie in the Lok. Justice and human dignity find their roots in the Lok. The Lok is the true discipline. Chanakya’s desired contemplation is in the Lok. From there, I see nothing beyond the Lok.

Relations on Translation

When I was translating, I felt immense pride. The Lok is Chanakya’s desired, Kamandak’s cherished and Manu’s revered. It is the Lok that is celebrated by Agastya and Vararuchi. The scriptures are in the Lok and the Lok is in the scriptures. The Puranas are in the Lok and the Lok is in the Puranas. Many Puranas are popular because they embrace the subjects of the Lok. Vishnu Dharma Uttara is the root, Agni Purana, Narada Brihat Naradiya Purana, all of them are centred on the Lok.

Diversity within Lok

In the Lok, there are citizens, forest dwellers and nomads. In the Lok, there are deities, humans and animals. Krishna says, the Lok is the leader, the Lok is the vision and Lok is the way. The Lok is the definition of justice and rules. In the Lok, justice is simple, natural and accessible to all. In the Lok, justice is universally accepted and honourable. They, therefore, say that the justice of Lok is universal.

Trust in Lok’s Justice

This line reminds me of Justice Guman Mal Lodha ji, who said, “The justice of the Lok is trustworthy.” No matter the crime, the Lok has its own way of delivering justice. The Lok trusts the Lok because the Lok has shared its sensitivity. Divine justice, worldly justice, state justice, natural justice, animal justice, administrative justice-justice has many forms and faces in the Lok.

Mechanisms of Justice

In the Lok, there are Panchayats, councils and assemblies. No matter the crime or the criminal, the Lok has a solution. Both sides are heard and there is support for all. When the Lok pays attention, the beggar’s house is built, The Bharia’s fate changes and the Korwa’s trust is restored. The Gond, Yadu, Bahna, Bagri, Pardhi, Korwa, Bedia, Sarvar, Banjara, Sahariya, Kathariya, Bhilala, Bhagoria, Gujjar, Barwala—all have their own Lok faith. The Lok’s decisions avert every/any calamity. On the matter of excommunication, even lightning strikes are avoided.

Paths of Punishment

Whether it is a Sautri marriage, an evil omen, or a crime, the Lok has a unique way for punishment. It is a great truth that the Lok’s justice is trusted by all. That is why there is punishment, but it is not inhuman. Even for violations of rules and boundaries, there is no imprisonment. That is why one can be ostracised from society but not from the village. One’s right to smoke, eat, or sit together can be taken away, Hence, the sense of crime guilt remains with the violator.

Purification Rituals and Their Significance

There are also purification rituals because the Lok is like the Ganga and bathing in it purifies. Just as the Lok is a temple of justice, it is also a home of security. The castes formed for security-Kanjar, Bandiya Pardhi, Sansi, Mogiya, Bawaria, hunters and trappers whose security is it? It is the security of men, women, children, the elderly, trees, plants, water, ponds and lakes.

Rules for Protection
There are many instances where if we need to protect our pond, What are the rules? If we need to protect water, what are the rules? If we need to protect the young and the elderly, what are the rules?

The Essence of Lok as Support

The security of our heritage, the security of the clan and the security of the environment-the Lok is where no one is orphaned. If there is no other support, the Lok itself is the support.

The Orphan’s Perspective

That is why an orphaned child says, “I have not seen my mother, I am a lonely child. I have not seen my father, but I have seen the Lok. I have played with the toys of gold and silver given by the Kurmi. I do not know the taste of mother’s milk, but I have tasted bitter sips The Lok’s shame has never hindered my work. The society has raised me, the Lok has nurtured me too. The society has given me a daughter and has been the support of my relationships.”

The Path and Guardian of Security

The Lok is the path to security. The Lok is the guardian of security. The Lok is Narahari for every Prahlad. The Lok is so simple and natural that nothing is greater than the Lok. This is the Gyan and the Gyan Tantra

The Modern Relevance of Lok

Even in modern times, the Lok is like a mantra for all. In the system, the Lok is the court, the Lok is the government and Lok is the administration. All of us are from the Lok.

The Value of Lok in Society

Social and political scientists, anthropologists and historians also value the Lok. After the monarchy, the ideal democracy is named after the Lok. Because the Lok is the ideal, it has no equal, no alternative. In the Lok, justice and security thrive and flourish uninterruptedly.

May such a Lok always be victorious!

“Society is divided into many parts, but the Lok isvisible to the naked eye.”

– Dr. Shrikrishna Jugnu
Indologist and Author