Vaishya Dharma and Mercantile Ethics in Classical Indian Texts: Implications for Contemporary Business Culture

Abstract

Purpose: This research paper undertakes a comprehensive investigation into the principles of Vaishya Dharma and mercantile ethics as codified in classical Indian texts — most notably Kautilya's Arthashastra, the Bhagavad Gita, the Manusmriti, and the Dharmashastric tradition — and examines their enduring relevance to contemporary business culture.

Methodology: In this paper, the exploratory qualitative research method is used. The relevant information is collected using keyword-based search in Google search engine, Google Scholar search engine, and AI-driven GPTs. This information is analysed and interpreted as per the objectives of the paper.

Analysis/ Results: The paper argues that ancient Indian civilisation developed a sophisticated, integrated moral framework for commerce millennia before the emergence of modern corporate ethics as an academic or regulatory discipline.

Originality/ Values:  The central thesis holds that far from being antiquated or culturally parochial, the ethical business framework distilled from classical Indian texts — centred on Satya (truth), Ahimsa (non-harm), Asteya (fair exchange), Shaucha (integrity), and Aparigraha (non-greed) — offers a coherent, actionable, and philosophically rigorous alternative to purely profit-driven models of commerce. The paper concludes with a call for greater integration of these principles into management education, particularly in Indian business schools, where the cultural resonance and historical depth of this tradition can serve as a powerful resource for producing ethical, socially responsible leaders.

Type of Paper: Exploratory Research.