Shukraniti and the Roots of Contemporary Taxation Practices: An Analytical Inquiry
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm2025.v05.n01.016Keywords:
Taxation, Indian Knowledge System, Shukraniti, Political Economy, Economic History, Ancient Indian Economic ThoughtAbstract
This study explores the Taxation principles quoted in the ancient Indian-text Shukraniti, emphasizing their ethical base and relevance to contemporary economic policies and regimes. Using a qualitative, descriptive, and interpretive methodology, the research examines the key verses that highlight just, proportional, and welfare-focused taxation, rooted in Dharma. The findings demonstrate that Shukraniti supports equitable tax policies, fiscal discipline, timely revenue collection, and social accountability principles that align with modern theories such as Adam Smith's theories of taxation, Keynesian economics, the theory of Laffer, and many more. By drawing connections between ancient economic governance and the present fiscal framework, the study positions Shukraniti as an insightful source for adopting their taxation policies grounded in ethics and sustainability.
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