[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic)](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.prasad-1927) › c8.23 # Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c8.23 Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c8.23 - **Language:** English ### [c8.23](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.prasad-1927.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 - [Previous: c8.22](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.prasad-1927.c8.22) - [Next: c8.24](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.prasad-1927.c8.24) - [Up: c8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.prasad-1927.c8) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.prasad-1927.c8.23](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.prasad-1927.c8.23) · Pramāṇa