POLITICAL ADMINISTRATION IN INDIC TRADITION WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO JANAPADA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/granthaalayah.v14.i2.2026.6826Keywords:
Janapada, State, Indian Knowledge System, Arthasastra, KingshipAbstract [English]
This paper delves into the nuances of political administration within the Indic tradition, specifically examining the Janapada, or ancient city-states, to shed light on the essence of statecraft in India. It challenges the overwhelmingly limited engagement with Western political theory when applied to Indian contexts, echoing Bhikhu Parekh’s argument that contemporary non-Western societies have not successfully generated original political theory of their own. The analysis of Indian political thought presents a compelling case for embracing indigenous perspectives that intertwine ethical and spiritual dimensions, as illustrated by influential thinkers such as Kautilya and modern figures like Mahatma Gandhi. The paper outlines the evolution of statehood in ancient India, offering significant insights into governance and underscoring the critical role of cultural context in shaping political discourse. Ultimately, this study advocates for a transformative re-evaluation of Indian political theory that transcends the limitations of Western paradigms, aiming to uncover frameworks that resonate with India's unique socio-political realities.
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