Abstract

The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) provides a diverse and native basis for grasping political ethics, administration, and moral leadership. Within classical Indian literature, the Shanti Parva of the Mahabharata holds a significant role in expressing the ethical basis of political power. Created in the wake of the catastrophic Kurukshetra war, the Shanti Parva offers a contemplative and prescriptive discussion on rajadharma (ruler’s responsibilities), justice, authority, duty, and ethical accountability. The teachings of Bhishma to King Yudhishthira highlight that political authority should be directed by moral limitations, kindness, and commitment to dharma. This study explores the idea of political ethics within the Indian Knowledge System, particularly focusing on the Shanti Parva. It examines how ethical principles like truth (satya), justice (nyaya), duty (dharma), public welfare (lokasangraha), and self-discipline are depicted as vital characteristics of exemplary leadership. In contrast to strictly legalistic or power-focused political models, the Shanti Parva combines ethics, spirituality, and governance, thus providing a comprehensive perspective on political existence. The research employs a qualitative and textual methodology, utilizing chosen narratives and doctrinal dialogues from the Shanti Parva to underscore its significance in modern discussions regarding political ethics, leadership challenges, and moral decay in governance. The study said that the Shanti Parva offers a different normative framework that contests contemporary ideas of politics that are separated from ethics. Through re-examining this foundational text, the research adds to the current discussion on decolonizing political thought and restoring indigenous viewpoints in Political Science. To conclude, the Shanti Parva serves as an important resource in the Indian Knowledge System for grasping political morality, providing enduring insights into ethical leadership that continue to hold significance in today’s democratic environment.