Question

Texts such as the Mahābhārata and the Arthaśhāstra describe the king’s duties as protecting people and ensuring justice. Why do you think it was important for rulers to protect people and ensure justice? What do these descriptions tell us about ideas of governance and the relationship between rulers and subjects during that period?

Answer 1

Texts such as the Mahābhārata and Arthaśhāstra emphasise that a king had the duty to protect his people and provide justice. This was important because the ruler was responsible for maintaining peace, security and order in the kingdom.

These descriptions show that governance was not seen only as the ruler’s right to exercise power; it also involved duties and responsibilities towards the people. A good ruler was expected to protect subjects, punish wrongdoers and ensure justice. This suggests that the relationship between the ruler and subjects was based on mutual responsibilities the ruler provided protection and good governance, while the people supported and obeyed the ruler.