Rājadharma and the Ideals of Kingship in Śrīharṣa’s Naiṣadhīyacaritam

Abstract

The Naiṣadhīyacaritam of Śrīharṣa stands as a pinnacle of Sanskrit mahākāvya tradition, offering profound insights into the concept of kingship (rājadharma). This research article explores the role of the king, his responsibilities, and governance principles as depicted in this text. Through an in-depth examination of its verses, this study highlights how Śrīharṣa integrates the ideals of dharmaśāstra and arthaśāstra, aligning the portrayal of King Nala with the models of ideal rulers described in texts like Manusmṛti, Yājñavalkya Smṛti, and Kauṭilya’s Arthaśāstra. By analyzing the poet’s emphasis on the king’s fourteen types of knowledge and his duty to uphold justice, the article sheds light on the interplay between moral philosophy and political realism in classical Sanskrit literature.