NCERT Class 9 textbook refers Mahatma Gandhi's Ram Rajya to ideal governance

A new Class 9 social science textbook prepared by the NCERT says Mahatma Gandhi visualised an ideal model of governance as "Ram Rajya", rooted in probity, transparency, compassion, welfare and a people-centric approach. The book, titled "Understanding Society India and Beyond-Part 2", was released on Tuesday, six months after the new academic session began.

The textbook's chapter on "Governance and Public Policy" uses references from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Vedic tradition to explain that governance is tied to responsibility towards society and not merely the exercise of power. Part 1 of the textbook was released in June.

The chapter cites the Sanskrit saying, "Prajasukhe sukham rajnah, prajanam cha hite hitam", translated as: "in the happiness of the people lies the happiness of the ruler, and in the interest of the people lies the interest of the ruler".

"Mahatma Gandhi visualised 'Ram Rajya' as an



ideal model of governance, rooted in probity, transparency, compassion, welfare and people-centric orientation in governance and public policy. Gandhi's views on Ram Rajya reflect the collective imagination of Indians from their distant past to the present day," the textbook says.

It describes Ram Rajya as "one of the best examples of good governance and a good collective life" as represented in the Ramayana and the 16th-century Ramcharitmanas. The chapter uses these references while discussing the wider idea of Rajdharma, or the duties and responsibilities linked to righteous governance.

"From the Vedic period to the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, Indian tradition has consistently viewed governance as a sacred responsibility rather than merely a means of exercising power," the chapter says. It adds, "Good governance was measured not only by the ruler's authority but by the peace, prosperity, justice and well-being in society."