Divine Origin of State : 

This is the oldest theory of origin of state. This comes under speculative theories. This is basically founded on religion or religious feeling. According to this theory, state has been created by God. God itself rules a state or sends any representative for this work who rules on his behalf. He is accountable to God, not to the general public. 

Explanation of Divine Theory:

 Divine nature of state was propounded in western political thinking. The first supporters of this theory were the Jews. Jewish scriptures considered the king nominated by God. Only God can dethrone or kill the king. Jewish scholars considered state as a natural and divine organisation.

Ancient Indian thinkers considered that state was created by God. This theory was propounded in Hindu scriptures and Manusmriti also. According to Manusmriti, King is creation of God. Mention of divine origin of state can also be found in ‘Shanti Parva’ of ‘Mahabharata’.

Basic elements of Divine Theory: 

Basic elements of this theory are as under: 

1. State is an organisation created by God. “God has created it for betterment”of people. 

2. King is representative of God. He is accountable and responsible only to God. 

3. It is the religious duty of the public to obey the king. To oppose the king means to oppose God. 

4. Public has no right to oppose an tyrant. God himself will punish him for his wrong deeds. 

5. King is not under any law. He is law-maker. 

6. Order of the king is law and his actions are always just and kind. 

7. No power on earth can restrict the will and power of king. 

8. Royal power is inherited. King’s son is his heir after his death. 

9. To express resentment to the power of government and to condemn his acts as unjust, is a sin.

Criticism of Divine Theory: 

Divine Theory of origin of state has been criticized on following grounds: 

1. Unscientific Theory: 

Assumptions of divine theory can be accepted only on the religious beliefs, not on logical basis.

2. Against democratic values: 

This theory is against democracy and supports autocratic monarchy. Many kings had taken support of this theory to increase their powers and to exploit the general public. 

3. Religious Theory: 

In today’s time, when many people have no belief in God and religion, this theory has no importance for them. 

4. Conservative Theory: 

This theory is conservative. No public welfare can be done in this theory because opposing the king has been considered as a crime against God and a sin. 

5. Not applicable on Modern states: 

This Theory is not applicable to modern states because most of them do not have monarchy. In democratic countries, President is not appointed by God, rather he is elected by the people or their representatives. 

Importance of Divine Theory: 

This theory does not explain the origin of state correctly, still, it has its own importance. This theory had helped establish peace and harmony in the earlier chaotic society. This theory explained the importance of religion in the evolution of state and developed the feelings of obedience and discipline in the minds of people.

This theory was the first attempt to chronologically explain the origin of state on which many theories were based later on. This theory is considered the starting of the history of the origin of state. Though, presently this theory does not explain the origin of state correctly, but initially, it had given much contribution to establish peace and harmony.