Arise Bharat

Author : Bhoga Rao Pappu

Ramayanam, one of India’s greatest epics, is not just a story or a narrative of devotion and duty but also a repository of political and ethical wisdom. Particularly, the Ayodhya Kanda offers profound insights into governance, ethics, and the responsibilities of a ruler. This wisdom is especially relevant in the modern context, where the absence of ethical leadership often leads to societal disarray.

The Need for a King: Lessons on Anarchy

In the aftermath of King Dasharatha’s demise, the sages and ministers of Ayodhya emphasize the urgent need to anoint Bharata as the king. They fear the onset of anarchy in the absence of a strong and dharmic ruler. The entire chapter meticulously details the symptoms and consequences of a kingdom without a leader, providing timeless examples of societal decay.

This depiction of anarchy resonates even today, particularly in regions plagued by weak governance, such as certain African nations and unstable Islamic states. The absence of ethical and capable leadership leads to lawlessness, economic collapse, and suffering among the populace.

Sri Rama’s Ethical Inquiry to Bharata

A pivotal moment in Ayodhya Kanda occurs in the 100th chapter when Bharata visits Sri Rama in the forest to persuade him to return to Ayodhya. Sri Rama, adhering to his principles, uses this opportunity to inquire about the state of the kingdom. His questions reflect a deep understanding of governance and ethics, emphasizing the qualities required of a ruler. One significant verse stands out:

कच्चिदार्यो विशुद्धात्माऽऽक्षारितश्चापकर्मणा ।
अपृष्टः शास्त्रकुशलैः न लोभात् वध्यते शुचिः ॥ 2.100.56 ॥

Word-by-Word Translation:

• कच्चित् (kaccit) = Hope;
• आर्यः (āryaḥ) = A noble or good person;
• च विशुद्धात्मा (viśuddhātmā) = and a pure soul;
• आक्षारितः (ākṣāritaḥ) = Alleged or accused;
• अपकर्मणा (cāpakarmaṇā) = Of wrongful acts like theft or immoral behavior;
• अपृष्टः (apṛṣṭaḥ) = Without seeking the opinion;
• शास्त्रकुशलैः (śāstrakuśalaiḥ) = From scholars well-versed in dharma shastras;
• न लोभात् (na lobhāt) = Not out of greed;
• वध्यते (vadhyate) = Are punished;
• शुचिः (śuciḥ) = The innocent.

Sri Rama asks Bharata whether good and pure-hearted individuals are not unjustly punished, even if accused of wrongful acts, without a thorough investigation and consultation with dharma shastra experts. He emphasizes that decisions should not be influenced by greed or bias.

This verse underscores the principle of fairness in governance. Sri Rama’s emphasis on seeking the counsel of dharma shastra scholars before meting out punishment reflects the eternal value of “innocent until proven guilty.” This principle, upheld in modern judicial systems, finds its roots in these ancient teachings.

Justice and Corruption: A Warning Against Bribery

Sri Rama’s meticulous guidance to Bharata includes a stern caution against corruption in the enforcement of justice. In the subsequent verse, he emphasizes the importance of ensuring that criminals, once caught with sufficient evidence, are not freed due to bribery:

गृहीतश्चैव पृष्टश्च काले दृष्टः सकारणः।
कच्चिन्न मुच्यते चोरः धनलोभात्, नरर्षभ ॥ 2.100.57 ॥

Word-by-Word Translation:

• नरर्षभ (naraṛṣabha) = O best of men!;
• न कच्चित् (na kaccit) = Hope not;
• चोरः (coraḥ) = A thief;
• सकारणः (sakāraṇaḥ) = Along with sufficient reasons for charges;
• दृष्टः (dṛṣṭaḥ) = Evidenced by the original owner of the loss;
• काले (kāle) = At the time of stealing;
• गृहीतः (gṛhītaḥ) = Caught and taken into custody;
• पृष्टः (pṛṣṭaḥ) = After thorough interrogation;
• मुच्यते तु (mucyate tu) = Is indeed let go free;
• धनलोभात् (dhanalobhāt) = Due to the corrupt desires of law enforcement officers.

Sri Rama advises Bharata to ensure that a thief or criminal who has been caught with proper eyewitness testimony and evidence from the victim is not let go free, even after thorough investigation, due to the temptation of monetary bribes. This reinforces the importance of maintaining law and order with integrity.

This verse demonstrates how Sri Rama’s teachings meticulously address every detail of governance, underscoring the necessity for rulers to be vigilant against corruption and to uphold justice.

Relevance to Modern Governance

Sri Rama’s inquiry serves as a guiding framework for contemporary leaders:

1. Fair Administration: Leaders must ensure that justice is impartial and based on evidence, not prejudice or impulse.
2. Accountability: A ruler’s primary duty is to safeguard the rights and dignity of citizens, particularly those unjustly accused.
3. Consultation: Decision-making should involve consultation with experts and adherence to ethical principles, ensuring fairness and transparency.
4. Compassionate Leadership: Leaders must balance economic growth with ethical governance, ensuring that relationships and resources are managed with care and responsibility.
5. Integrity in Law Enforcement: Bribery and corruption in the justice system must be eradicated to maintain societal trust and order.

Despite Bharata’s limited time as ruler following Dasharatha’s demise, Sri Rama’s questions set the tone for an ideal ruler’s conduct. The dialogue demonstrates how governance is not merely about power but about serving with integrity and wisdom.

Conclusion

The lessons from the Ayodhya Kanda of the Ramayana are timeless. By emphasizing the importance of ethical leadership, justice, and accountability, the epic provides a moral compass for rulers across generations. In today’s world, marked by political turmoil and ethical dilemmas, revisiting these ancient teachings can inspire leaders to prioritize dharma and the well-being of their subjects above all else. As Sri Rama exemplifies, true leadership lies in upholding justice and ensuring harmony in society.