Abstract

Governance in Ancient India: Lessons to Draw

V. Shivaji Ganesh

Volume: 15 Special Issue: 6 2025

Abstract:

Governance in ancient India evolved from tribal assemblies of the Vedic age to large empires and highly decentralized local institutions of the early medieval period. These traditions were shaped not only by political realities but also by ethical ideals found in epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, which articulated principles of righteous rule (raja dharma), justice, and welfare. The egalitarian spirit of early Vedic polity, the village-level engagement of rulers like Bimbisara, oligarchic republics like the Vrijjis and Malls, popular reaction to exploitative rule under the Nanas, and Asoka’s welfare-oriented paternal despotism all reveal a long-standing Indian concern with moral authority and public legitimacy. Post-Maryann decentralization, the Gupta emphasis on local governance, Hirsh’s public engagement, and the vibrant democratic traditions of South Indian institutions under the Pal lavas and Cholas further highlight India’s rich administrative heritage. The Kannagi–Pandya episode in Tamil tradition underscores justice as the foundation of legitimate governance. This paper surveys these diverse traditions, integrating literary and inscriptional sources, and identifies enduring lessons: participatory administration, ethical leadership, welfare orientation, justice, decentralization, and engagement with local communities.

DOI: http://doi.org/10.37648/ijrssh.v15i06.008

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