👑 RAJADHARMA — राजधर्म
The Dharmic Duties of Rulers and Statecraft
SOURCES: Manusmriti Ch. 7 · Arthashastra · Mahabharata Shanti Parva
KAUTILYA'S SAPTANGA — 7 ELEMENTS OF STATE
Source: Arthashastra 6.1.1–5 (Kautilya / Chanakya)
1. Svami— The King / Sovereign ruler
2. Amatya— Ministers and officials
3. Janapada— Territory and population
4. Durga— Fortified capital city
5. Kosha— Treasury and revenue
6. Danda— Army / coercive power
7. Mitra— Allies
MANU ON RAJADHARMA (Chapter 7 highlights)
Introduction:Manu 7.1 ★ — "hear the duties of warriors"
Danda theory:Manu 7.17–18 (punishment as basis of governance)
Ashtagunas:Manu 7.27–40 (8 virtues: energy, memory, wisdom, steadfastness, skill, munificence, modesty, firmness)
Treasury:Manu 7.56–62 (Kosha maintenance and taxation)
Minister conduct:Manu 7.63–76 (selection and oversight)
Duties to subjects:Manu 7.111–130 (welfare obligations of king)
DANDANITI — SCIENCE OF PUNISHMENT
Arthashastra places Dandaniti (science of punishment / governance) as the most fundamental of the four sciences (Vidyas): Anvikshiki (philosophy), Trayi (Veda), Varta (economics), Danda.
Source: Arthashastra 1.2–3 (Kautilya)
MANDALA THEORY (Foreign Policy)
Arthashastra's Mandala theory: a kingdom's neighbours are its natural enemies; a neighbour's neighbour is a natural ally.
The six methods of foreign policy (Shadgunya):
- • Sandhi (peace)
- • Vigraha (war)
- • Yana (march)
- • Asana (halt)
- • Samshraya (alliance)
- • Dvaidhibhava (dual policy)
Source: Arthashastra 7.1