Indic Kingship in Theory and Practice : Reconsidering Marxist Historiography (500 Bce-1800 Ce)

Indic Kingship in Theory and Practice examines the scriptural, political, and administrative dimensions of Indic kingship from its early historical origins to the advent of British colonial rule. In doing so, it challenges prevailing Marxist historiography, which portrays kingship as a predominantly repressive and class-exclusive institution. Instead, the book argues that Indic kingship largely functioned without reliance on coercive force and sought to represent and address the social body as a whole rather than privileging select groups. This orientation stemmed from its strong—often scripturally grounded—spiritual and moral foundations, as well as its composite, multi-layered, and potentially empowering political and administrative structures.