Concepts of Danda, Dandaneethi,

Dharma and Raja Dharma

Concepts of Danda, Dandaneethi, Dharma and Raja Dharma!
It is, in fact, difficult to understand the ancient Indian political thought without a prior knowledge
about certain concepts like Danda, Dandaneethi, Dharma and Raja Dharma. These concepts
are drawn from Sanskrit languages.

The following is a brief explanation of each concept:

Danda:
The term Danda is derived from the words Dam and Dand, which refer to tame, subdue, to
conquer or to restrain and the like. This term also means a stick. Danda, in fact, is one of the
elements of a state. The main reason for institution of Danda is to bring about discipline in the
lives of human beings who by nature are evil and corrupt. According to Manu, it is only the king
who can protect the entire mankind and for this protection, the king uses Danda as a means or
as an instrument.

In the ancient Indian political system, it was the responsibility of the king to maintain Dharma
by means of Danda. It was widely believed that it is only through fear of punishment that the
mankind can be made more disciplined. It is this punishment that keeps a check on their
actions consciously or subconsciously.

However, this punishment should be inflicted only when necessary after much consideration.
Otherwise, the concept of Danda is lost. Further, ancient Indian thinkers were of the opinion
that Danda should not be used as per the whims and fancies of the rulers, but only when there
is presence of any anti-social elements in the society.

They further stated that Danda is a code given to the humanity by God to follow a righteous
life. This code should bind Danda against his subjects for their wrongdoings. Even the people
can collectively take an action against the king if he commits any wrong.
Dandaneethi:

This ancient Indian concept deals with the totality of social, political and economic relationships
and indicates how they have to be properly organized and integrated with one another. It
indicates the rules that one needs to adhere to while punishing others.
Ancient political thinkers suggested that for the sanctity of the concept, Danda should be used
carefully. Excessive use would distress the people and light usage of the same will lose its
importance. Through Dandaneethi, it becomes easier to bring about proper progress and
balanced system of social and economic needs.

Dharma:
This is a Sanskrit term, which means law and can be understood in various ways. Broadly
speaking, the term has two connotations. Firstly, it means religious convictions and secondly, a
set of duties or a code of conduct. It is stated that one who adopts Dharma would derive
money, happiness and success. It also refers to a code of moral principles relating to the daily
lives and following these rules ensures peace, prosperity and happiness.

Dharma is one of the values of an individual. As per the ancient Indian thought, it is dharma
that sustains the universe and both the king as well as the people must adhere to it. Only the
sages had the power to interpret this dharma or the Sacred Law.

Rajadharma:
The concept of Rajadharma was introduced by one of the greatest epics of India, the
Mahabharata. It refers to the laws or rules set for the rulers in the context of ensuring proper
administration of the entire kingdom. Manu also mentioned about the concept of Rajadharma
and prescribed certain rules called Dharma Sutras while discussing the rights and duties of a
king with reference to his administration.

The duties that are laid down by the Rajadharma were described to be ideal for the highest
good and a kingly conduct. The Manusmrithi dealt with the concept of Rajadharma in a
detailed manner than any other scriptures. It specified the duties of a king vis-a-vis the state,
and not in his personal capacity.

In ancient India, the entire discipline of political science was called Rajadharma. This concept
was considered important in social practice. Failure to carry the rules diligently was considered
dangerous to the existence of society itself According to the Mahabharata, as per the rules, the
king must be ready to dispose even the smallest of matters.

The king should be like a mother to his subjects and should be willing to make any sacrifices in
their interest. He should possess all the qualities of a mother, father, preceptor, protector and
also the attributes of Gods like fire, wealth and death towards his subjects. It was stated in the
Mahabharata that a king who does not protect his subjects, is a thief and that he would attain
hell after his death.

As regards the appointment of officials to cater to the administration, the Mahabharata stated
that a king must appoint four Brahmins, three Kshatriyas, 21 Vyshyas, three Shudras and one
Sutha. Thus, by this appointment, it is clear that even the so-called outcastes were also
represented in the administrative body.

The Mahabharata further stated that a king should be far-sighted like a vulture, patient like a
crane, vigilant like a dog, and penetrate into the territories of the enemies like a snake without
any anxiety. He should also be able to align with not only clever and powerful men but also a
coward.

The epic also advised king in matters related to war, diplomacy and in dealing with various
kinds of people. With the above description, the following is a brief description of two of the
most celebrated ancient Indian political thinkers, namely, Kautilya and Manu.