Purpose This study aims to analyse the implications of incorporating Kautilyan leadership principles for its efficiency, ethical and moral implications as a mediator between the welfare governance objective through inclusive infrastructure, proportionate punishments and distributive taxation. Design/methodology/approach Using purposive sampling, data were collected from 260 Indian legal professionals, including judges, academics and practitioners. The study’s measurement and structural model assessment were done through confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. Findings Welfare infrastructure, proportional force by the state (Danda Niti), and proportionate taxation positively influences welfare governance. Kautilyan principles of ethical leadership acts as a mediator, contributing towards an improved and efficient governance framework. Research limitations/implications Data collected from 260 legal professionals across India, impacts study’s generalisability in an international context. In addition, the study only included respondents from legal professions, and the study is cross-sectional. Practical implications The study does not hinge on utopian ideals rather propounds pragmatic realism, whereby Kautilyan leadership style is ideal are a path to ethical governance towards larger societal welfare. Social implications Amid technocracy and oligarchy, the growing distrust towards government actions, Kautilyan leadership wisdom infused with ethics provides implementable strategies for equitable solutions, and addressing the contemporary challenges. Originality/value The normative framework of Kautilya’s Arthashastra is used to address contemporary challenges of accountability, transparency and efficiency, thereby bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary advancements. This opens a window into Indian leadership thought and its utility in future policy frameworks, highlighting its progressive and dynamic nature.
Aditya et al. (2026) studied this question.