17. What is the purpose of Danda Niti according to Kautilya? (NET March 2023 Shift I)
A. Acquisition of unacquired
B. Preservation of the acquired
C. Maintenance of law and order within the state
D. Augmentation of the preserved
E. Fair distribution of the augmented
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Explanation:
Kautilya (Chanakya) in his work Arthashastra discusses Danda Niti, which refers to the principles of governance, administration, and enforcement of law through punishment (danda). It is crucial for maintaining social order and ensuring the stability of the state.
The purpose of Danda Niti includes:
✅ (A) Acquisition of unacquired – Expanding the state's wealth, resources, and power.
✅ (B) Preservation of the acquired – Safeguarding what the state has already obtained.
✅ (C) Maintenance of law and order within the state – Ensuring discipline, justice, and internal stability.
✅ (D) Augmentation of the preserved – Strengthening and increasing the state's existing resources.
(E) Fair distribution of the augmented is not a primary focus of Danda Niti, as Kautilya was more concerned with state power and administration rather than redistribution. Hence, option 2 and 3 are incorrect.