ABSTRACT
In his treatise, The Arthashastra, Kautilya defines the concept of an ‘ideal leader’, Rajarshi: the sage-like king, who is supposed to have conquered the six internal enemies, gained control over the senses, cultivated his intellect by association with elders, kept a watchful eye by means of spies, ensured security and well-being through energetic activity, maintained the observance of his subjects’ special duties by carrying out his own duties, acquired discipline, attained popularity by association with what is of material advantage, and maintained proper behaviour by doing what is beneficial. Kautilya mentions 21 things that a king should not do to create a kingdom of good governance, which leads to the happiness of the people (praja sukhe). This chapter envisages an amalgamation of raja dharma, or duties of a leader; praja dharma, or duties of the citizens; and swa dharma, or duties towards one’s self, so that Kautiliya’s Rajarshi emerges as the ideal leader in modern times as well.
