Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c8.23

c8.23

Order. But undue severity means oppression and defeats its own purpose. On the other hand, undue leniency means weakness. The one provoked disaffection; the other invited contempt. Both the extremes must be avoided. Moderation is the safest rule of state-conduct.¹ Justice is the bedrock of society. Early in his work, Kautalya emphasises the need of justice, particularly in one direction: Taxation must be just and equitable.²