Wisdom of the Past: Exploring Political Governance and Administration in Ancient India through Shantiparava and Sukra Niti Sara

Abstract

The political and administrative systems of ancient India, expressed in important texts such as the Shantiparava of the Mahabharata and Sukra Niti Sara, are premised on the weaving together of ethics, statecraft and social welfare. This study seeks to examine the philosophical and pragmatic bases of these models of governance, exploring the means by which rulers, ministers, and officials were to engage in governance framed around moral rectitude and justice for the welfare of the realm. The roles and responsibilities of various administrative posts, their ethical guidelines, and the emphasis on merit-based selection and rotation are highlighted in the research through a close reading of these texts. The research uses comparative textual analysis by leveraging the Shantiparava and the Sukra Niti Sara, searching in both for themes regarding political leadership, governance structure, and societal well-being and then evaluating their relevance by finding patterns converging with modern political doctrines. The paper additionally examines how these ancestral systems harmonise with contemporary governance values like accountability, transparency and respect for the rule of law. The overall implication of such research concerns the long-lasting impact of India's ancient political philosophy on contemporary governance systems and what lessons can be taken for ethical leadership and effectiveness in administration. Re-examining these ancient tomes, the present study seeks to highlight the advanced political philosophy that defined the ancient Indian state.