Rajadharma
Also called: Raja dharma · Topic: Democracy: Forms of Government, Principles and Outcomes · NCERT: Class 7, Ch 9 "From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Governments"; Class 7, Ch 10 "The Constitution of India: An Introduction"; Class 7, Ch 6 "The State, the Government, and You"
Meaning
Rajadharma is the ancient Indian idea that a ruler is bound by dharma, which means duty and moral law. Power is not for the ruler's own pleasure. The ruler must put the people's welfare first, apply the law without bias, listen to wise advice and remember that power is temporary. It matters because it is an early Indian version of the idea that rulers must answer for how they use power.
Example
In the Shanti Parva of the Mahabharata, Bhishma teaches these duties to Yudhishthira. In Kalhana's Rajatarangini (12th century), King Chandrapida asks a cobbler for his consent before taking his hut, and pays him compensation.
Don't confuse with
- Theocracy: there, religious leaders rule through religious law. Under rajadharma, an ordinary ruler governs but is held to a moral duty towards the people.