The Significance of Kautaliya's Political Philosophy in Modern Democracies
Sarfaraz Ahmad Rather
Research Scholar, Department of History, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Tamil Nadu, India
The present study explores the relevance of Kautaliya's political philosophy in contemporary democratic systems. Kautaliya was an ancient Indian political philosopher who developed a system of governance known as the Arthashastra. This study aims to identify and analyse the key ideas and principles of Kautaliya's political philosophy that may be applicable to contemporary democratic systems, and to assess the potential implications of his ideas for modern democratic governance. The methodology for this study involves a historical research approach that reviews relevant literature and an exploratory research approach that identifies and analyses key concepts in Kautaliya's philosophy. Besides empirical research methods such as surveys or interviews with experts in political theory are used to gather insights on the potential applicability of Kautaliya's ideas in modern democratic governance. The findings of this study suggest that Kautaliya's political philosophy offers valuable insights and ideas that can inform contemporary democratic governance. Kautaliya emphasized the importance of effective administration, strong leadership, and strategic thinking, which are relevant to modern democratic governance. Kautaliya's emphasis on social order, morality, and justice may inform contemporary discussions on issues such as equality, human rights, and social welfare. However, some aspects of Kautaliya's philosophy, such as his emphasis on the role of the state and the use of force in governance, may be incompatible with modern democratic principles. This study concludes that Kautaliya's political philosophy has potential contributions to contemporary democratic systems, but caution must be exercised in its application to ensure compatibility with modern democratic values and principles.
Keywords: political philosophy, governance, leadership, social justice, ancient India
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