Rajadharma in Indian Knowledge Traditions and the Concept of Good Governance: A Comparative Study

Abstract

At present, the interest of intellectuals in India's past and history is increasing. All governance systems globally are experiencing corruption, inefficiency, and cultural disconnection with indigenous root systems. This study examines the role of Indian knowledge traditions in reimagining political science using a decolonial Indigenous framework. Traditional political science has been largely Eurocentric and marginalizes non-Western epistemologies. The Mahabharata, Dharmashastras, Arthashastra, and Gandhian thought provide an alternative paradigm for understanding issues of power, justice, legitimacy, and governance. Issues of Rajdharma and Swaraj show the connection between politics and ethics and the well-being of the collectivity. In this paper, it is argued that comparative political science allows for a confluence of epistemic plurality and traditions, which leads to the decolonization of the discipline boundaries. In addition, the paper examines how dialogue can be established between the classical knowledge systems and contemporary democratic practices. This research helps construct a more pluralistic political science by bringing Indian knowledge systems into focus and adding value to the global discourse of good governance and ethics.