Ideology: This unit explores the theoretical dimensions of

This unit explores the theoretical dimensions of ideology from various standpoints, such as philosophy, sociology and psychology. It also examines the role and nature of ideology in the Indian context, especially in the post-Gupta centuries. Ideology refers to a set of beliefs, values, and principles that shape an individual or group's understanding of the world and guide their actions and decisions. It is a system of ideas that provides a framework for interpreting reality, making sense of complex social, political, economic, and cultural phenomena, and prescribing courses of action. Ideology, a form of social or political philosophy, or a system of ideas, that aspires both to explain the world and to change it. The word was introduced in the 18th century by the French philosopher A.-L.-C. Destutt de Tracy as a short name for what he called his ‘science of ideas.’ Those who give an ideology, project ideology as a scientific thinking. However in politics, ideologies are the means which help politicians to mobilize the voters.