Ranade on the Nature and Functions of the State

 Ranade on the Nature and Functions of the State

 Ranade differed from the British individualists regarding the role of the state in the field of political economy. He maintained that the state represented the power, wisdom, mercy and charity of its best citizens; therefore, it had to play a more positive role in human life. It was the duty of the state to protect the lives of the people and to make it nobler, happier and richer. The purpose of the state was essentially moral. It was a means to attain higher grades of civilized life.