Political thought in ancient Indian Sanskrit Literature

Politics is the policy related to the state. The term politics consists of two words: Rāj and nīti. The word raj means the king (or the realm), and nīti means guidance or direction. The phrase “राजधर्मान्प्रवक्ष्यामि” means “I shall describe the duties of the king.” Here, rājadharma refers to politics itself. Thus, the meaning of the word politics is to provide proper guidance related to the state. Politics influences every aspect of the state-society, customs, governance, and even foreign policy. With the formation of the state, politics also comes into existence. Politics is the very foundation of the stability of the state. According to Kautilya, it is the synthesis of all branches of knowledge and the policy of welfare. Through it, the unattained can be attained and what has already been attained can be protecte. In ancient times, when there were no rules or laws in society, strong people used to oppress and exploit the weak. In this way, the concept of Māṭsyanyāya (the law of the fish, where the big fish devours the small fish) came into existence. To eliminate this Māṭsyanyāya the king must properly apply the politics.