Human beings are living with nature and uncertainties are embedded in natural lives irrespective of time and geographical region. The uncertainties sometimes block the smooth running of life and pose threats to human lives. In such situations human beings fall upon each other to seek and provide help. Thus, kindness towards others, and a feeling of providing assistance developed. It broadly came into existence in the form of government provided schemes and programmes.
It is evident that temples, mosques, churches and other religious places played an important role in almost all societies irrespective of time and area. It became the face of the rule subsequently and became an important part of the kings/rulers responsibility to provide assistance in times of natural calamities.
It is evident that King Akbar distributed food grains to his drought affected people in the fourteenth century. Later German Chancellor Sir Otto Von Bismark started a social security scheme for his old aged people in 1888.
Social Security measures have been an essential part of every society irrespective of ancient and modern. For example, in ancient Indian society, people were provided with different types of facilities to live a happy and contented life. There was a normal belief that the welfare of the people is the most important function of the king. It is described in various ancient codifications. It has been elaborately defined in different ancient books and compilations of religious codes, like, Manusmriti, Shukraneeti, Dakshaneeti, and so on. Later it was emphasized greatly in the texts of the world’s first economist, Chanakya or Kautilya in his famous book ‘Arthashashtra’. Though, Manusmriti was the first Indian ancient book which put welfare among the most prioritized responsibilities of the king. It not only included the precepts for the moral and ethical duties of the individuals in the society, but also mentioned rules to conduct the king, its officials and concerned affairs of the state in general. Manu says that –
“The creator has created the king to protect the people of all Varnas (class or caste) and order so that they discharge their several duties according to their respective dharma.”
Manu, further, advised the king for the matter of appointment of the officials that he should appoint such dedicated officials devoted fully to work for the good of his people. This apart, they can be hands to help the king in the process of discharging the duties of the state because –
“Conducting himself and always following the responsibilities of a ruler, he should accordingly appoint officials for the welfare of the citizens.”
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