Why Hegemony Can Never Be Wiped Out Of Human Society? Hinduism Answers

The Enduring Presence of Hegemony in Human Society: A Hindu Perspective

Throughout history, human societies have been shaped by hierarchies of power and dominance. From primitive tribal orders to modern nation-states, patterns of hegemony—where stronger groups impose their will on weaker ones—persist. Yet Hinduism, with its profound insights into the nature of reality and human evolution, offers both an analysis of why hegemony arises and practical pathways for its undoing. Hinduism's message is neither utopian nor despairing: hegemony cannot be erased because it arises from Prakriti (nature) itself. The Hindu scriptures' great project is not abolishing power, but binding power to dharma — so that the strong become guardians of the weak rather than their predators.

The Primal Roots of Hegemony
At our core, humans share biological and psychological traits with other primates: the instinct to belong, to compete for resources, and to establish social rank. Evolutionarily, forming coalitions and asserting dominance enhanced survival. In today’s world, these ancient drives surface as political power struggles, economic inequality, cultural hegemony, and systemic prejudices. Even when societies uphold ideals of democracy and equality, underlying tendencies to assert control and exploit differences continue to shape interactions.

The Problem

• Unconscious Division: We habitually perceive “us” and “them,” reinforcing ingroups and outgroups.

• Ego-Driven Dominance: Personal and collective egos seek validation through power, status, and material success.

• Cultural and Institutional Enforcement: Laws, customs, and religious practices can become vehicles for one group to dominate another, under the guise of tradition or morality.

The Hindu View on Human Evolution
Hindu thought envisions life as an ongoing journey of the soul (atman) through countless births, gradually evolving toward higher states of awareness. The human birth is considered precious: it alone affords the capacity for self-inquiry and spiritual growth. Scriptures and sages assert that only when the soul awakens to its true nature—beyond body, caste, gender, or nationality—can it transcend the cycle of domination.

• Unity of Source: All creation arises from a single, undifferentiated reality (Brahman). Apparent diversity is a play (lila) of that one consciousness manifesting in myriad forms.

• Law of Karma: Actions rooted in egoistic striving deepen cycles of conflict and hierarchy. Conversely, selfless actions (karma yoga) plant seeds for harmonious coexistence.

The Illusion of Separation
Hegemony thrives on the myth of separation—believing that some are fundamentally different or less worthy. Hindu philosophy counters this with non-dual teachings (Advaita), proclaiming that at the deepest level, all beings share the same essence. Recognizing this oneness dissolves the psychological basis for domination.

Quotes From Hindu Scriptures On The Topic

The Law of the Fish — Matsya Nyaya (Mahabharata, Shanti Parva)

"Raja chenna bhavelloke prithivyaam dandadharaka, shule matsyanivapakshyun durbalaat balvattarah." "When the king carrying the rod of punishment does not protect the earth, then the strong destroy the weaker ones — just as the bigger fish devour the smaller ones in water."

The concept of Matsya Nyaya — the maxim of the larger fish devouring the smaller — is described as the fundamental law of nature. It is the principle that in the absence of governance and order, the strong invariably dominates and consumes the weak.

It can be traced back to the Shatapatha Brahmana, which states: "Whenever there is drought, the stronger seizes upon the weaker, for the waters are the law" — meaning that when the rule of law collapses, Matsya Nyaya begins to operate.

Insight: The scriptures do not say hegemony should exist — they say it will inevitably exist unless actively restrained. This is a recognition of human nature, not an endorsement.

The Divine Origin of Hierarchy — Bhagavad Gita 4.13

"Chatur-varnyam maya srishtam guna-karma-vibhagashah" "The four divisions of human society were created by Me, according to the differences in qualities (gunas) and activities (karma)."

The Vedas classify people into four categories of occupations — not according to their birth, but according to their natures. Such varieties of occupations exist in every society.

These four divisions arise naturally from the combination of the three gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas). Those with predominantly sattva guna possess tranquillity and self-control. As sattva decreases, one's capacity for righteousness declines, and the individual moves further toward rajas and tamas.

Insight: The Gita is not justifying oppression; it is acknowledging that human beings are constitutionally unequal in their inner qualities, and that this natural variance will always produce stratification in any society. Hierarchy is encoded in Nature (Prakriti) itself.

Kautilya's Arthashastra — The Necessity of Power

"Apranitah tu matsyanyayam udbhavayati. Baliyan abalam hi grasate dandadharabhave." "When the law of punishment is not applied, it gives rise to the condition of Matsya Nyaya; for in the absence of a chastiser, the strong devour the weak." — Arthashastra, 1.4.13–14

In the absence of government or the rule of law, human society degenerates into anarchy in which the strong destroy and exploit the weak. Chanakya stresses the importance of danda (strong authority), as its absence will lead directly to the law of fish — anarchy.

Insight: Chanakya is ruthlessly empirical: hegemony is not a social construction that can be abolished — it is the natural gravitational pull of human affairs. The best one can do is channel it through righteous governance.

The Cosmic Precedent — Indra and the Rigveda

"Indra, being born first, intelligent, encompassed the Devas with his might." — Rigveda, Mandala 2

In the family books of the Rigveda, Indra stands as the preeminent deity — a dynamic figure embodying strength, courage, and supreme dominion over both cosmic and terrestrial realms. He is celebrated as the divine warrior, the bringer of order, and the benevolent patron who delivers his devotees from distress.

The Rigveda presents Indra as the protector of Rita (cosmic order and truth). His stories teach that power flows from divine order, and that spiritual growth arises from surrender — not dominance alone.

Insight: Even in the divine realm, Hinduism posits a king of the gods — a hierarchy that mirrors human society. The cosmos itself is organised in tiers of power. Hegemony, then, is not merely a human flaw; it mirrors the very structure of creation.

 The Shanti Parva on Governance and Power

"Yat karoti nripo rashtre tat prajah kurvate tatha." "What the king does, the subjects follow."

"Na sa raja yo na rakshati prajah. Raja prajanam paripalakah smritah." "He who does not protect his subjects is not a true king. A king is remembered as the guardian of his people."

The Mahabharata outlines the role of the ideal king who is not only a protector but also a moral guide. A ruler's duty is to maintain order, protect the weak, and ensure justice. The epic warns against corruption, betrayal, and the abuse of power, which can lead to the downfall of a kingdom.

Insight: The scriptures accept that there will always be a ruler and ruled. The question is not whether to eliminate hegemony, but whether those in power fulfil their dharmic obligations.

Dharma as the Only Restraint — Manusmriti

"Dharmo rakshati rakshitah. Dharmo hanti hato hanti." "Dharma protects those who protect it. Dharma destroys those who destroy it."

Manusmriti presents an ideal society in which the power to enforce laws is carefully distributed among rulers and the guardians of society. Its purpose is to inculcate discipline, provide rulers with a basis for enforcing lawful conduct, and ensure the orderly progression of the world through righteous behaviour.

Insight: The text accepts that power will always exist and be exercised — but it must be bound by dharma. Without dharma, hegemony becomes tyranny; with it, hegemony becomes guardianship.

The Three Gunas — Why Inequality Is Permanent

"Sattvam rajas tama iti gunah prakritisamb havah." "Sattva, rajas, and tamas — these qualities born of Prakriti (Nature) bind the imperishable soul to the body." — Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 14, Verse 5

All human beings are not of the same nature because of the preponderance of different gunas within them. Those with predominantly sattva guna rise to leadership in knowledge; those with rajas predominating rise to governance and action; those with tamas become the working masses.

Insight: The Gita gives a metaphysical foundation for why social and power hierarchies are permanent: as long as Prakriti operates and the three gunas exist in unequal proportions across individuals, there will always be those who lead and those who follow. 

Psychological Pathways to Overcome Hegemony

1. Self-Reflection and Shadow Work

   • Acknowledge inner tendencies toward superiority.

   • Integrate “shadow” aspects—unconscious desires for power—into conscious awareness.

2. Empathy Cultivation

   • Practice perspective-taking exercises.

   • Engage in active listening to understand others’ experiences without judgment.

3. Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation

   • Use meditation to observe impulses to judge, compare, or control.

   • Strengthen the ability to pause before reacting with dominance.

Spiritual Practices for Realization

1. Jnana Yoga (Path of Knowledge)

   • Study scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads to discern the difference between the transient ego and the eternal Self.

   • Reflect on statements like “Tat Tvam Asi” (“That Thou Art”) to internalize universal identity.

2. Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion)

   • Foster a loving relationship with the divine in all forms.

   • See every person as a manifestation of the divine, nurturing reverence rather than superiority.

3. Karma Yoga (Path of Selfless Action)

   • Perform acts of service without attachment to outcomes or personal gain.

   • Break the cycle of “I do, I get” that fuels competition.

4. Dhyana Yoga (Meditation)

   • Engage in guided or silent meditation practices to quiet the mind.

   • Cultivate an inner space where identification with social roles and hierarchies naturally fades.

Transforming Society Through Inner Change
Real social transformation begins at the individual level. When enough people awaken to their shared essence, collective dynamics shift:

• Inclusive Leadership: Leaders who recognize the sacredness of every individual enact policies that dismantle systemic inequalities.

• Community Building: Grassroots movements grounded in compassion and mutual respect weaken power imbalances.

• Education for Oneness: Curricula that integrate ethical and spiritual dimensions encourage children to see beyond labels.

• Cultural Renewal: Reinterpreting rituals and festivals as celebrations of unity rather than tools of exclusion resets social norms.

Other Insights and Practical Suggestions

• Dialogue Circles: Regular community gatherings where individuals share personal narratives foster trust and break down “otherness.”

• Interfaith Cooperation: Collaborations among different religious groups highlight universal values of compassion and service.

• Economic Models of Sharing: Cooperative enterprises and gift economies reduce hierarchies rooted in wealth accumulation.

• Mindful Media Consumption: Choose films, books, and digital content that emphasize human dignity and interconnection.

Solution Summary

• Problem: Deep-seated instincts and cultural constructs drive perpetual cycles of dominance.

• Psychological Remedy: Develop self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation to neutralize ego-based drives.

• Religious Remedy: Embrace Hindu teachings on non-duality, karma, and spiritual practice to realize inherent unity.

• Societal Shift: Manifest inner transformation in leadership, education, and community structures that honor oneness.

Final Thoughts
Hegemony has persisted because it taps into primal survival mechanisms and unquestioned cultural norms. Hinduism offers a holistic roadmap for both understanding its roots and transcending it—through introspection, disciplined practice, and the realization of our shared divine essence. As more individuals awaken to the truth that all beings are threads in one cosmic tapestry, the fabric of society can come to reflect harmony rather than hierarchy. Only then can the ancient cycle of domination truly begin to unravel.