Political philosophy of Guru Nanak

This paper addresses Guru Nanak's political philosophy that contains a deep synthesis of justice, ethical leadership, and egalitarian values, and presents a visionary view for civic order and how his reaction to contemporary political conditions have become a fountainhead of his political philosophy. As a reaction to the socio-political and religious hierarchies of India in the 15th century, his teachings confronted entrenched caste systems, religious exclusivity, and autocratic forms of governance. Promoting universal brotherhood, economic equality, and unselfish service, he painted a picture of a political system in which leadership is established through moral character and responsibility. His doctrine of Miri-Piri, later institutionalised by Guru Hargobind, emphasized the coexistence of spiritual illumination and worldly power, reaffirming the necessity of righteous political action. Guru Nanak's focus on social justice, virtuous statecraft, and opposition to tyranny still resonates as an abiding model for governance, providing a philosophical basis for building a just, equitable, and morally enlightened polity. This paper also focuses on social responsibility, welfare, governance and moral authority and how to rule and get ruled.