The Question of Utopia

Abstract

This chapter discusses how some or all of the Greek writers, including Megasthenes, have used India as the location for a utopian fantasy of an ideal world. Ancient writers have a regular repertoire of utopian traits. (1) The natural world: mild climate; eternal spring; fruits grow without human effort [implying vegetarianism]; springs and rivers of wine, milk, honey, nectar, and soup. (2) Human characteristics: longevity; tall stature; enduring good health; piety; gods dwell among men; and justice. (3) Human way of life: community with the gods; community of women; absence of slavery; simplicity of life; and peacefulness. Almost all of these can be found attributed to India by one or more writers, though eternal spring seems to be an exception, and piety is attributed only to the Brahmans.