[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [Vada in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.tripathi-2021) › c9.s1 # Vada in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses c9.s1: Debates on Polity and Governance Vāda in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses c9.s1 - **Language:** English ### Debates on Polity and Governance ### [c9.s1.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.tripathi-2021.c9.s1.1) One of the major disciplines taken up for discussions and debates was Arthaśāstra (management, polity and diplomacy). In \*Rāmāyaṇa\* there is a long discussion on king’s duties and policies for governance initiated by Rāma during the course of his queries about the wellness when Bharata visits him in Citrakūṭa. Rāma asks Bharata: ### [c9.s1.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.tripathi-2021.c9.s1.2) Is it so that you pay due regard to the preceptor Sudhanvan, who is equipped with excellent arms and is expert in Arthaśāstra?⁶ ### [c9.s1.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.tripathi-2021.c9.s1.3) In fact, the prolonged queries here present a discussion on the subject of \*prajāpālana\* (nourishment of subjects by a king). The \*mantraṇā\* (counselling) is the base on which this polity proceeds and counselling is not be done singularly, it is always with a selected group.⁷ This \*mantraṇā\* should properly employ \*yuktis\* (logic) and \*tarkas\* (arguments) to arrive at the \*mantra\*.⁸ Rāma also suggests that instead of approaching thousands of fools, a king must engage in discussions with one wise man only.⁹ Further, Rāma suggests that the king should do counselling with three or four counsellors only, either together or one by one.¹⁰ ## Cites (2) - [Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra](https://indike.org/pramana/in.niti.artha.kautilya) — Kauṭilya, Sanskrit - [Vālmīkirāmāyaṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.ramayana.valmiki) — Vālmīki, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.tripathi-2021.c9.s1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.tripathi-2021.c9.s1) · Pramāṇa