dandaniti
Dandaniti (from danda, punishment, and niti, policy) is the science of governance through the proper use of coercive power. Kautilya's Arthashastra lists it as one of the four branches of learning, with anvikshiki (philosophy), trayi (the three Vedas) and varta (economics), and calls it the branch on which the other three depend.
It covers the acquisition and protection of wealth and territory, administration and the punishment of offenders. Kautilya warns that too severe a punishment frightens the people and too mild a one brings contempt; only just punishment secures order. It is a common short note in jurisprudence on ancient Indian theories of state and law.
Example
Kautilya describes dandaniti as the science on which the security of philosophy, the Vedas and economics depends.
See also
Read more in the study notes
- Ancient Indian political thought and the Saptanga theory (Political Science - Theory and Thoughts)