Chanakya Policy & Research Foundation

When discussing ancient Indian political thought, the great minister of Hastinapur, Vidura, and his principles, collectively known as “Vidura Neeti,” hold a distinct place. Vidura’s ideas, combined with Chanakya’s principles and Manu’s laws, serve as the foundation of Indian political philosophy. There is no hesitation in stating that Vidura Neeti remains equally relevant today in matters such as governance, foreign policy, geopolitics, and security strategy. Particularly in the Indian context, studying and understanding Vidura Neeti becomes critically important.

In the Mahabharata, composed by Ved Vyasa, the wisdom of Vidura Neeti is encapsulated in the discourse between Vidura and Dhritarashtra, spanning chapters 33 to 40 of the fifth book, the Udyoga Parva. This discourse takes the form of counsel, where Vidura imparts his profound teachings to Dhritarashtra, who is caught in a moral dilemma between his attachment to his son and the duties of kingship. Through this dialogue, Vidura Neeti offers valuable clarity of thought regarding governance and statecraft.

In this article, we will examine each of the teachings

imparted by Vidura and attempt to see how they can be integrated into today’s context. Our primary focus will be on understanding the essential and important aspects that a state and its ruler must address, such as governance, diplomatic strategy, foreign policy, and more.

● “Yah pramāṇaṁ na jānāti sthāne vṛddhau tathā kṣaye,

Kośe janapade daṇḍe na sa rājya-ātiṣṭhate.” (Udyoga Parva 34.10)

“A king who does not understand the factors of status, gain, loss, treasury, the state, and danda, cannot remain in power.”

This shloka is a profound and powerful one . As we have seen, a strong economic system (treasury) is the foundation of governance, as mentioned in the above verse. In today’s world, we can observe how countries like China and the United States are expanding their influence globally by leveraging their powerful economies. For example, China uses the debt trap as a weapon to assert its dominance in South Asian and African countries. On the other hand, to maintain internal peace and balance within the state, the importance of “Danda”—that is, police forces, military, and an effective judicial system—is emphasized. We have witnessed how countries like Syria and Jordan have become severely affected by terrorism due to their weak military and internal security forces. Vidura’s verse highlights the importance of institutions like the Central Reserved Police Force (CRPF) and police forces in India. Moreover, Vidura also points to the significance of a proper judicial system,

which we will further understand through another verse.

 Jānāti viśvāyituṁ manuṣyān

Vijñātadoṣeṣu dadhāti daṇḍam.

Jānāti mātrāṁ ca tathā kṣamāṁ ca

Taṁ tādṛśaṁ śrīr juṣate samagrā.(Udyoga Parva, Chapter 33, Shloka 105)

“He who wishes to instill trust among people and administers punishment to those whose faults are proven, knowing the right measure of punishment and forgiveness, such a ruler is blessed with all prosperity in his service.”

Thus, emphasizing internal peace and the trust of the people in the state, Vidura advocates for a strong judicial system.

● Now, shifting his focus to the external security of the state, Vidura states that –

“Ya eva yatnaḥ kriyate pararaṣṭravimardane,

Sa eva yatnaḥ kartavyaḥ svarāṣṭra paripālane.” (Udyoga Parva, Chapter 34, Shloka 30)

“The effort that is made in causing harm to another nation, that same effort must be directed towards the protection and upkeep of one’s own nation.”

This verse highlights how a state should not only focus on fighting other nations but must also prioritize the defense of its own territory when the time comes. In today’s world, we

have seen the consequences of ignoring this principle, especially in the case of a country like Pakistan, which, instead of focusing on its own security and governance, continued to harbor dreams of fighting India and allowed terrorism to flourish within its borders. As a result, Pakistan became increasingly engulfed by terrorism and weakened over time. On the other hand, India, following its “No First Use” policy, continued to procure modern weapons like Rafale jets and nuclear bombs, with its primary objective being self-defense. This strategy aligns perfectly with Vidura’s message, where the focus is on protecting one’s own borders rather than interfering in the affairs of others.

On the other hand, Vidura, in the context of war, advises regarding a subdued enemy, saying, “One should never spare an enemy who is under control and deserving of punishment. If one lacks sufficient strength, it is better to stay humble and wait for the right time, but when one has the power, the enemy should be eliminated. Because if the enemy is not killed, fear from them will soon arise.” (Udyoga Parva, Chapter 38, Shloka 29).

In this way, Vidura not only emphasizes ethics but also reveals a practical or pragmatic approach, which is essential for the progress of a nation. We can see this in Indian history as well, and as is believed in Indian traditions, Emperor Prithviraj spared Muhammad Ghori when he was captured in the first Battle of Tarain, but Ghori later became a formidable threat to India. In contemporary times, questions have been raised about why Indira Gandhi’s

government in India, despite capturing 93,000 Pakistani soldiers in the 1971 India-Pakistan war, did not use that leverage to reclaim territories like Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and sacred sites such as Nankana Sahib. Thus, Vidura teaches us how to handle a weakened enemy while also focusing on internal security.

● When it comes to international diplomacy and establishing relations, the most important pillar is the “diplomat.” Every nation establishes embassies in different countries and sends its diplomats there to manage and maintain relations. Vidura emphasized the importance of these diplomats because they are responsible for understanding the situation of the other nation, managing diplomatic relations, and representing their nation. Vidura identified eight qualities of a successful diplomat, which are as follows:

“A person who is free from ego, devoid of cowardice, quick in completing tasks, compassionate, pure-hearted, not easily swayed by others, healthy, and possesses a generous speech—such a person is considered fit to be a diplomat.” (Udyoga Parva, Chapter 37, Shloka 27)

Considering the responsibilities handled by a diplomat, the eight qualities mentioned by Vidura are highly significant. As stated in this shloka, a diplomat must carry out their duties confidently in the foreign land, not be influenced by others, and maintain clear and honest communication so that they can convey their nation’s messages effectively.

Even in the current era, the role of diplomats and embassies is just as vital. Often, embassies are used to convey diplomatic messages. For instance, due to deteriorating relations with Canada, India recalled its diplomats. Similarly, during times of rising tensions with Pakistan, Pakistani diplomats in India are summoned to receive stern messages.

● When we discuss the position of Vidura’s policies in Indian political thought, it is clear that Vidura’s policies encompass every aspect of politics. Even today, when rulers of states get entangled in various dilemmas and crises, they can turn to the political messages embedded in Vidura’s policies, as these teachings act as a treasure in Indian political tradition.

The knowledge and guidance contained in Vidura’s teachings remain relevant today because political situations and the nature of relations between nations do not change. They merely take on new forms through different tools and techniques. Therefore, if one seeks a solution to political problems from an Indian perspective, Vidura’s policies can serve as a valuable guide.

These policies not only provide solutions to conflicts and issues but also encourage rulers to think and act in the right direction, ensuring the stability, prosperity, and peace of the state.