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Good Governance (Samskrit: शासनधर्मः)

Good Governance in Ramayana (Samskrit: रामायणे शासनधर्मः) primarily elucidates the various facets of leadership and good governance that is enumerated in the Kacchit Sarga of the Ramayana.

== कच्चित् सर्गः ॥ Kacchit Sarga ==

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

The 100th Sarga in the Ayodhya Kanda of the Ramayana, known as the 'Kacchit Sarga', enumerates Rama's dialogue with Bharata in Chitrakuta that delineates the criteria for good administration.<ref name=":0" /> In this sarga, Rama puts certain questions, inquiring Bharata about his administration and in course of the same, instructs Bharata with regards to the duties of a Raja and the polity under an ideal monarch.<ref name=":12">Valmiki Ramayana, Ayodhya Kanda, [http://valmikiramayan.pcriot.com/utf8/ayodhya/sarga100/ayodhya_100_frame.htm Sarga 100].</ref> Since Rama’s inquiry starts with the word ‘Kacchit’, meaning ‘have you’, at the beginning of every verse, this sarga is known as Kacchit Sarga.<ref name=":13">Valmiki Ramayana, IIT Kanpur, [https://www.valmiki.iitk.ac.in/ecommentaries?field_commnetary_tid=8&field_kanda_tid=2&field_sarga_value=100#:~:text=This%20sarga%20is%20called%20'Kacchit%20Sarga'%2C%20as,you'%20at%20the%20beginning%20of%20every%20verse. Rama's Inquiry]</ref>  

The 100th Sarga in the Ayodhya Kanda of the Ramayana, known as the 'Kacchit Sarga', enumerates Rama's dialogue with Bharata in Chitrakuta that delineates the criteria for good administration.<ref name=":0" /> In this sarga, Rama puts certain questions, inquiring Bharata about his administration and in course of the same, instructs Bharata with regards to the duties of a Raja and the polity under an ideal monarch.<ref name=":12">Valmiki Ramayana, Ayodhya Kanda, [http://valmikiramayan.pcriot.com/utf8/ayodhya/sarga100/ayodhya_100_frame.htm Sarga 100].</ref> Since Rama’s inquiry starts with the word ‘Kacchit’, meaning ‘have you’, at the beginning of every verse, this sarga is known as Kacchit Sarga.<ref name=":13">Valmiki Ramayana, IIT Kanpur, [https://www.valmiki.iitk.ac.in/ecommentaries?field_commnetary_tid=8&field_kanda_tid=2&field_sarga_value=100#:~:text=This%20sarga%20is%20called%20'Kacchit%20Sarga'%2C%20as,you'%20at%20the%20beginning%20of%20every%20verse. Rama's Inquiry]</ref>  

Some of the themes related to the Ruler and his Governance reflected in the Kachhit Sarga are as follows:

Some of the themes related to the Ruler and his Governance reflected in the Kachhit Sarga are described herewith.

=== राज्ञः व्यवहारः ॥ Leader's Conduct ===

== राज्ञः व्यवहारः ॥ Leader's Conduct ==

The concerns expressed by Rama, at the outset, highlights the importance of  

The concerns expressed by Rama, at the outset, highlights the importance of  

# The six strategic expedients viz. Coming to terms with the enemy, waging war against them, marching against them, biding one's time to seek a favourable opportunity, causing dissension in the enemy's ranks, seeking protection of a powerful ally.

# The six strategic expedients viz. Coming to terms with the enemy, waging war against them, marching against them, biding one's time to seek a favourable opportunity, causing dissension in the enemy's ranks, seeking protection of a powerful ally.

# Adversity brought about by destiny viz. fire, water in the shape of excessive rains or floods, epidemic or endemic diseases, famine, earthquakes and tsunamis and adversity brought about by human agencies like officials, thieves, enemies, ruler's favourites and the rulers themselves, when triggered by greed.

# Adversity brought about by destiny viz. fire, water in the shape of excessive rains or floods, epidemic or endemic diseases, famine, earthquakes and tsunamis and adversity brought about by human agencies like officials, thieves, enemies, ruler's favourites and the rulers themselves, when triggered by greed.

# The twenty types of rulers (who are not worth-negotiating with) viz.{{Columns-list|#A ruler who is yet a child

# The twenty types of rulers (who are not worth-negotiating with) viz.

{{Columns-list|#A ruler who is yet a child

#Aged  

#Aged  

#Who has been ailing for a long time

#Who has been ailing for a long time

#Who has numerous enemies

#Who has numerous enemies

#Who is in the clutches of adverse times  

#Who is in the clutches of adverse times  

#Who is not devoted to truth and piety.|colwidth=13em}}

#Who is not devoted to truth and piety.|colwidth=14em}}

# The entire population of the kingdom

# The entire population of the kingdom

# Setting about an expedition and drawing up an army in a battle-array

# Setting about an expedition and drawing up an army in a battle-array

<blockquote>यां वृत्तिं वर्तते तातो यां च नः प्रपितामहाः | तां वृत्तिं वर्तसे कच्चिद्या च सत्पथगा शुभा || २-१००-७४<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":14" /></blockquote>

<blockquote>यां वृत्तिं वर्तते तातो यां च नः प्रपितामहाः | तां वृत्तिं वर्तसे कच्चिद्या च सत्पथगा शुभा || २-१००-७४<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":14" /></blockquote>

=== मन्त्रणायाः महत्त्वम् ॥ Importance of Counsel ===

== मन्त्रणायाः महत्त्वम् ॥ Importance of Counsel ==

 

It is gleaned from Rama's expressions that those who are valiant, learned, masters of their senses, of noble birth and skilled in interpreting internal sentiments by external gestures should be appointed as ministers as the source of victory for Rajas indeed comes from a concealed counsel by ministers, who are well-versed in political sciences and who can hide their thoughts within themselves. Infact he advices that one should neither deliberate alone nor with numerous people. And the decision arrived at through such deliberation should not be exposed to the public (before it is fulfilled).<blockquote>कच्चिद् आत्म समाः शूराः श्रुतवन्तो जित इन्द्रियाः | कुलीनाः च इङ्गितज्ञाश्च कृताः ते तात मन्त्रिणः || २-१००-१५

It is gleaned from Rama's expressions that those who are valiant, learned, masters of their senses, of noble birth and skilled in interpreting internal sentiments by external gestures should be appointed as ministers as the source of victory for Rajas indeed comes from a concealed counsel by ministers, who are well-versed in political sciences and who can hide their thoughts within themselves. Infact he advices that one should neither deliberate alone nor with numerous people. And the decision arrived at through such deliberation should not be exposed to the public (before it is fulfilled).<blockquote>कच्चिद् आत्म समाः शूराः श्रुतवन्तो जित इन्द्रियाः | कुलीनाः च इङ्गितज्ञाश्च कृताः ते तात मन्त्रिणः || २-१००-१५

एको अप्यमात्यो मेधावी शूरो दक्षो विचक्षणः | राजानं राजपुत्रं वा प्रापयेन्महतीं श्रियम् || २-१००-२४<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":14" /></blockquote>

एको अप्यमात्यो मेधावी शूरो दक्षो विचक्षणः | राजानं राजपुत्रं वा प्रापयेन्महतीं श्रियम् || २-१००-२४<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":14" /></blockquote>

=== राज्ञः दैनिकानुशासनम् ॥ Raja's Routine ===

== राज्ञः दैनिकानुशासनम् ॥ Raja's Routine ==

Rama, in the discourse, also emphasises the do-s and dont's in the daily routine of a Raja. He highlights that,  

Rama, in the discourse, also emphasises the do-s and dont's in the daily routine of a Raja. He highlights that,  

* A Prince should rise and appear before the people on the great highway everyday, in the forenoon, being regally adorned.

* A Prince should rise and appear before the people on the great highway everyday, in the forenoon, being regally adorned.

<blockquote>कच्चिद् दर्शयसे नित्यं मनुष्याणां विभूषितम् | उत्थाय उत्थाय पूर्वाह्णे राजपुत्रो महापथे || २-१००-५१<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":14" /></blockquote>

<blockquote>कच्चिद् दर्शयसे नित्यं मनुष्याणां विभूषितम् | उत्थाय उत्थाय पूर्वाह्णे राजपुत्रो महापथे || २-१००-५१<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":14" /></blockquote>

=== निर्णयनीतिः ॥ Decision Making ===

== निर्णयनीतिः ॥ Decision Making ==

Rama clearly outlines determining endeavours involving a little effort but yielding great results and embarking on their execution without procrastination.<ref name=":14" />

Rama clearly outlines determining endeavours involving a little effort but yielding great results and embarking on their execution without procrastination.<ref name=":14" />

<blockquote>कच्चिद् अर्थम् विनिश्चित्य लघुमूलं महोदयम् | क्षिप्रम् आरभसे कर्तुं न दीर्घयसि राघव || २-१००-१९<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":14" /></blockquote>He also warns the leaders to never think lightly and always remain alert about opponents who were weak, defeated and then rise back after the defeat.<blockquote>कच्चिद् व्यपास्तान् अहितान् प्रतियातामः च सर्वदा | दुर्बलान् अनवज्ञाय वर्तसे रिपुसूदन || २-१००-३७<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":14" /></blockquote>

<blockquote>कच्चिद् अर्थम् विनिश्चित्य लघुमूलं महोदयम् | क्षिप्रम् आरभसे कर्तुं न दीर्घयसि राघव || २-१००-१९<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":14" /></blockquote>He also warns the leaders to never think lightly and always remain alert about opponents who were weak, defeated and then rise back after the defeat.<blockquote>कच्चिद् व्यपास्तान् अहितान् प्रतियातामः च सर्वदा | दुर्बलान् अनवज्ञाय वर्तसे रिपुसूदन || २-१००-३७<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":14" /></blockquote>

=== निर्वाहकगणनियोजनम् ॥ Delegation ===

== निर्वाहकगणनियोजनम् ॥ Delegation ==

 

Rama's suggestions regarding delegation of tasks and appointments are as follows: <blockquote>कच्चिन् मुख्या महत्सु एव मध्यमेषु च मध्यमाः | जघन्याः च जघन्येषु भृत्याः कर्मसु योजिताः || २-१००-२५<ref name=":12" /> अमात्यान् उपधातीतान् पितृपैतामहान् शुचीन् | श्रेष्ठान् श्रेष्ठेषु कच्चित् त्वं नियोजयसि कर्मसु || २-१००-२६<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":14" /></blockquote>Meaning:

Rama's suggestions regarding delegation of tasks and appointments are as follows: <blockquote>कच्चिन् मुख्या महत्सु एव मध्यमेषु च मध्यमाः | जघन्याः च जघन्येषु भृत्याः कर्मसु योजिताः || २-१००-२५<ref name=":12" /> अमात्यान् उपधातीतान् पितृपैतामहान् शुचीन् | श्रेष्ठान् श्रेष्ठेषु कच्चित् त्वं नियोजयसि कर्मसु || २-१००-२६<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":14" /></blockquote>Meaning:

# The Judicial Officer

# The Judicial Officer

# The officer entrusted with conservation of waters, hills, forests and tracts difficult of access.|colwidth=22em}}The fifteen functionaries of one's own side are the last fifteen of this very list, omitting the first three; viz. the chief ministers, the family priest and the crown prince.<ref name=":12" />  

# The officer entrusted with conservation of waters, hills, forests and tracts difficult of access.|colwidth=22em}}The fifteen functionaries of one's own side are the last fifteen of this very list, omitting the first three; viz. the chief ministers, the family priest and the crown prince.<ref name=":12" />  

=== सैन्यव्यवहारः ॥ Army Proceedings ===

== सैन्यव्यवहारः ॥ Army Proceedings ==

Rama emphasizes on

Rama emphasizes on

कालातिक्रमणाच्चैव भक्तवेतनयोर्भृताः | भर्तुः कुप्यन्ति दुष्यन्ति सो अनर्थः सुमहान् स्मृतः || २-१००-३३<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":14" /></blockquote>

कालातिक्रमणाच्चैव भक्तवेतनयोर्भृताः | भर्तुः कुप्यन्ति दुष्यन्ति सो अनर्थः सुमहान् स्मृतः || २-१००-३३<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":14" /></blockquote>

=== अर्थव्यवस्था ॥ Treasury ===

== अर्थव्यवस्था ॥ Treasury ==

 

Rama pinpoints to the various parameters for the abundance of a nation by enquiring if 'the income is sufficiently more than the expenditure' and if 'there is supply of water to the residents of Ayodhya in plenty'.<ref name=":0" /> He says, <blockquote>

Rama pinpoints to the various parameters for the abundance of a nation by enquiring if 'the income is sufficiently more than the expenditure' and if 'there is supply of water to the residents of Ayodhya in plenty'.<ref name=":0" /> He says, <blockquote>

* The expenditure goes for the cause of divinity, ancestors, brahmanas, guests, warriors and hosts of friends.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":14" />

* The expenditure goes for the cause of divinity, ancestors, brahmanas, guests, warriors and hosts of friends.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":14" />

=== न्यायव्यवस्था ॥ Judiciary ===

== न्यायव्यवस्था ॥ Judiciary ==

 

Rama stresses on ensuring that ministers decide impartially between rich and the poor, thieves caught red handed are being punished without fail and no innocent person is being punished.<ref name=":0" /> He says, <blockquote>कच्चिद् आर्यो विशुद्धात्मा क्षारितः च अपरकर्मणा | अपृष्टः शास्त्रकुशलैर्न लोभाद् बध्यते शुचिः || २-१००-५६

Rama stresses on ensuring that ministers decide impartially between rich and the poor, thieves caught red handed are being punished without fail and no innocent person is being punished.<ref name=":0" /> He says, <blockquote>कच्चिद् आर्यो विशुद्धात्मा क्षारितः च अपरकर्मणा | अपृष्टः शास्त्रकुशलैर्न लोभाद् बध्यते शुचिः || २-१००-५६

For it is said that tears fallen from the eyes of those who are victims of false accusations and are punished merely for the pleasure of those in command has the power to destroy their progeny and cattle.<blockquote>यानि मिथ्या अभिशस्तानां पतन्त्यश्रूणि राघव | तानि पुत्रान्पशून्घ्नन्ति प्रीत्यर्थम् अनुशासतः || २-१००-५९<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":14" /></blockquote>

For it is said that tears fallen from the eyes of those who are victims of false accusations and are punished merely for the pleasure of those in command has the power to destroy their progeny and cattle.<blockquote>यानि मिथ्या अभिशस्तानां पतन्त्यश्रूणि राघव | तानि पुत्रान्पशून्घ्नन्ति प्रीत्यर्थम् अनुशासतः || २-१००-५९<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":14" /></blockquote>

=== व्यक्तित्वोद्धारः ॥ Personality Development ===

== व्यक्तित्वोद्धारः ॥ Personality Development ==

Rama enlists 14 shortcomings that must be avoided by a leader viz.  

Rama enlists 14 shortcomings that must be avoided by a leader viz.  

{{Columns-list|#atheism or disbelief in the authority of the Vedas

{{Columns-list|#atheism or disbelief in the authority of the Vedas

मङ्गलस्य अप्रयोगं च प्रत्युत्थानं च सर्वतः | कच्चित् त्वं वर्जयस्येतान् राजदोषांश्चतुर्दश || २-१००-६७<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":14" /></blockquote>

मङ्गलस्य अप्रयोगं च प्रत्युत्थानं च सर्वतः | कच्चित् त्वं वर्जयस्येतान् राजदोषांश्चतुर्दश || २-१००-६७<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":14" /></blockquote>

=== धर्मशासनफलम् ॥ Fruit of Good Governance ===

== धर्मशासनफलम् ॥ Fruit of Good Governance ==

 

Towards the end of the counsel, in the Kachchit Sarga, Rama suggests that the counsel given by him to Bharata, if conformed to, is conducive to long life, fame, righteousness and legitimate pleasure and prosperity.<blockquote>कच्चिदेषैव ते बुद्धिर्यथोक्ता मम राघव | आयुष्या च यशस्या च धर्मकामार्थसंहिता || २-१००-७३<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":14" /></blockquote>It is also said that a wise and learned ruler, having obtained and ruled the entire earth, properly by righteousness and by administering justice to the people, indeed ascends to heaven when released from the mortal body.<ref name=":12" /><blockquote>राजा तु धर्मेण हि पालयित्वा महामतिर्दण्डधरः प्रजानाम् । अवाप्य कृत्स्नां वसुधां यथावदितश्च्युत स्स्वर्गमुपैति विद्वान् || २-१००-७६<ref name=":14" /></blockquote>

Towards the end of the counsel, in the Kachchit Sarga, Rama suggests that the counsel given by him to Bharata, if conformed to, is conducive to long life, fame, righteousness and legitimate pleasure and prosperity.<blockquote>कच्चिदेषैव ते बुद्धिर्यथोक्ता मम राघव | आयुष्या च यशस्या च धर्मकामार्थसंहिता || २-१००-७३<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":14" /></blockquote>It is also said that a wise and learned ruler, having obtained and ruled the entire earth, properly by righteousness and by administering justice to the people, indeed ascends to heaven when released from the mortal body.<ref name=":12" /><blockquote>राजा तु धर्मेण हि पालयित्वा महामतिर्दण्डधरः प्रजानाम् । अवाप्य कृत्स्नां वसुधां यथावदितश्च्युत स्स्वर्गमुपैति विद्वान् || २-१००-७६<ref name=":14" /></blockquote>

=== संहृतिः ॥ Synopsis ===

== संहृतिः ॥ Synopsis ==

From the discussions in the Kachchit Sarga, it is seen that greatest priority was given to the doctrine of trivarga. It also indicates the functions of a good Government. This advice given by Rama to Bharata at Chitrakuta contains within itself the importance of observing Dharma that is considered essential in exercising political power.

From the discussions in the Kachchit Sarga, it is seen that greatest priority was given to the doctrine of trivarga. It also indicates the functions of a good Government. This advice given by Rama to Bharata at Chitrakuta contains within itself the importance of observing Dharma that is considered essential in exercising political power.