Significance of the material wealth in the Indian philosophy

By Santosh Chaudhary, M.Sc (Physics)

Nalanda Open University

Symbolic image for Material Wealth


In Indian philosophy, material wealth, known as Artha, is one of the four traditional aims of life, collectively referred to as Purusharthas. The other three aims are Dharma (righteousness, moral values), Kama (pleasure, love, psychological values), and Moksha (liberation, spiritual values).


Artha signifies the pursuit of wealth or material advantage. It ensures dignity through food, shelter, clothing, and enough material possessions to live a meaningful life. The pursuit of material comforts helps to maintain social order. However, excessive pursuit of wealth can lead to greed and social disorder.


In the philosophical school of Indian Materialism, known as Lokayata or Carvaka, the good is strictly associated with pleasure and the only ethical obligation forwarded by the system is the maximization of one's own pleasure.


It's important to note that all four Purusharthas are considered important. However, in cases of conflict, Dharma is considered more important than Artha or Kama in Hindu philosophy. Moksha is considered the ultimate goal of human life.


Historical Indian scholars recognized and debated the inherent tension between active pursuit of wealth (Artha) and pleasure (Kama), and renunciation of all wealth and pleasure for the sake of spiritual liberation (Moksha). They proposed "action with renunciation" or "craving-free, dharma-driven action", also called Nishkama Karma as a possible solution to the tension.



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