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Rules of Dharma were not altere able according to the whims and fancies of the king. The exercise of political power in conformity with "Dharma" was considered most essential. This principle holds good for every system of government and is a guarantee not only against abuse of political power with selfish motives and out of greed but also against arbitrary exercise of political power.
Rules of Dharma were not altere able according to the whims and fancies of the king. The exercise of political power in conformity with "Dharma" was considered most essential. This principle holds good for every system of government and is a guarantee not only against abuse of political power with selfish motives and out of greed but also against arbitrary exercise of political power.
The belief in the supremacy of Dharma among the people was the best guarantee for the proper functioning of kings. In other words, 'Dharmic Supremacy' generally prevailed, which corresponds to constitutional supremacy under the present day written constitutions. Every king was required to take oath at the time of coronation that he would rule according to 'Dharma'. Thus Dharmarajya means the Rule of Law.
In this regard, the famous historian R.C. Majumdar in his book "Ancient India" observes thus :-<blockquote>''The duty of the king was clearly defined in the Sastras. It would have created as much a sensation in those days, if the king had failed in his duties as would follow the violation of people's rights in modern days.''</blockquote>Historical records prove that Raja Dharma formed the fundamental law which regulated the Constitution and the organisation of every kingdom (State) in the country throughout the centuries.
== DHARMA binding on the Rulers and the Ruled ==
Following the principles of Dharma was considered essential both for the ruled and the ruler. The importance of the observance of Dharma, considered essential for the purpose of exercising political power, is contained in the advice given by Raffia to Bharata at Chitrakut while sending him back, to rule the country. This has been forcefully brought out in the celebrated work "Sitayana" by Dr. K.R. Srinivasa Iyengar. The excerpts are :<blockquote>''"Bharata, commandments of Dharma like Nature's laws, admit of no meddling, When Dharma's imperatives determine legitimacy, and say, This is right, and thus must you act; it's wrong to look round for escape routes;''</blockquote><blockquote>''All power, Bharata, is like poison; We need the sovereign Grace of the Lord, both to exercise power and be immune from its deadly poison; In our total submission to Dharma, there's the sure promise of Grace; but those that rely on power alone must perish by its poison."''</blockquote>The above advice by Rama is of eternal value for all those who exercise political power under any system of government. The meaning is, just as those who handle electric power wear a rubber hand glove for safety, those who exercise political power must wear the hand glove of Dharma. C. Subramaniam in Bhavans Journal dated 15th April 1995 says thus:<blockquote>''Gandhiji's ideal of an ideal polity was Ramarajya. It stood for a society wherein a high, ethical standard of life is characterised by the pursuit of purusharthas -Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. It is the prevalence of Dharma, which characterises an ideal society. Such a society is possible only if the governance of the country is based on clear, efficient and transparent administration. In the past, the king was not only a symbol, but was the ruler and administrator and the king had to observe the Dharma of the ruler, functioning in a selfless manner for the prosperity, harmony and happiness of his people. This is Gandhijis concept of Ramarajya. Today, we have responsible governments run by elected representatives.''</blockquote><blockquote>''If the rulers do not observe Dharma, it will become a Ravanarajya. We have to make a choice, between Ramarajya and Ravanarajya.''</blockquote>While the observance of Dharma by every individuals is essential for harmonious living, it is also a condition in conformity with which the political power was required to be exercised and that holds good for all Nations and for all times to come.<ref name=":0" />
== References ==
== References ==
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