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Pre-colonial Indian political thought was rich and diverse, shaped by various philosophical, religious, and cultural traditions. Concepts such as dharma (duty), raj dharma (duty of a ruler), and artha (material well-being) were central to ancient Indian texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Arthashastra. Philosophical schools like the Arthashastra emphasized the role of the king in upholding dharma and ensuring the welfare of the people. Dharmashastras laid down principles of governance, while epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana depicted ideal rulership and moral dilemmas. These traditions fostered a complex understanding of governance, ethics, and social order in pre-colonial India. Manu's social laws encompass a wide range of subjects, including marriage, inheritance, property rights, duties of rulers and subjects, and punishments for crimes. Kautilya's theory of the state is characterized by its pragmatic approach to governance, grounded in the principles of "arthashastra" or the science of politics and economics. Although the Agganna Sutta does not offer an elaborate theory of kingship akin to other texts like the Arthashastra, it underscores the importance of moral leadership and righteous governance. Furthermore, Abul Fazal believed in the principle of absolute monarchy, where the emperor's authority was unrestricted and unchallengeable. He argued that centralized power was necessary for maintaining order, stability, and unity within the vast and diverse Mughal Empire. The book delves into the rich tapestry of pre-colonial Indian political thought, exploring its diverse philosophical, religious, and cultural dimensions.