Kautilya’s assertion that “the king's happiness lies in the happiness of his subjects, and his welfare in their welfare” (Arthashastra, I.19.34) serves as a profound articulation of the normative and administrative principles underpinning ancient Indian political thought. Far from being a mere rhetorical flourish, this aphorism encapsulates a distinctly dharmic conception of kingship, which integrates … Continue reading How does Kautilya’s assertion that “the king’s happiness lies in the happiness of his subjects, and his welfare in their welfare” reflect the ethical and administrative foundations of ancient Indian statecraft?