Madhab Barman
Research Scholar, Department of Philosophy, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam
E-mail: barmanmadhab58@gmail.com
Issue: Volume 2 No. 2 (June 2026) Anubodhan
Received: 27 June 2026 / Accepted: 29 June 2026 / Published: 30 June 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.65885/anubodhan.v2n2.2026.070
Abstract
I have discussed a prominent concept in social and political philosophy called daṇḍanīti in this article. Daṇḍa means not only a tangible stick but also an intangible situation that punishes for something good and it is a methodology for using punishment and maintain order in society. In the contemporary era, daṇḍanīti is used in politics, to protect the security of the state, etc. My aim is to identify its philosophical basis and to establish the supremacy of daṇḍa over the ruler. From three references, one needs to discuss it, i.e., Arthaśāstra, Sāntiparva, and Manusmriti. I have used qualitative research, basically a historical, descriptive, and conceptual analysis method. The most important outcome is that no one can deny the uses and utility of it in their lives; it develops various necessary aspects of life, and definitely no society can run without it. The main message in this article is that punishment is not always a bad thing; it also has a positive sense.
Keyword: Ancient Indian Philosophy, Daṇḍanīti and its philosophical basis.
How to cite: Barman, M. (2026). Daṇḍanīti: A philosophical Reflection . Anubodhan, 2(2), 123–130. https://doi.org/10.65885/anubodhan.v2n2.2026.070