Philosophy Optional · Paper II · Socio-Political Philosophy

Sovereignty: Austin, Bodin, Laski, Kautilya Notes · PYQs

Free notes and every UPSC previous year question for Sovereignty: Austin, Bodin, Laski, Kautilya, Unit 02 of Paper II, Section A: the official syllabus, 8 topic-wise notes in syllabus order, and all 25 questions from 2000 to 2026 grouped by sub-topic.

8

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25

Questions listed

18

Asked since 2013

2000–2026

Years covered

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Official UPSC syllabus

Sovereignty: Austin, Bodin, Laski, Kautilya: syllabus

The syllabus text for this unit in Paper II, Section A (Socio-Political Philosophy) of Philosophy Optional. Every note and question on this page maps to it.

Sovereignty: Austin, Bodin, Laski, Kautilya.

Free practice

Previous year questions: Sovereignty: Austin, Bodin, Laski, Kautilya

All 25 questions UPSC has set from this unit between 2000 and 2026, grouped by sub-topic with the most-asked first, newest first within each. Questions from 2013 onwards are shown; earlier ones open on a tap.

How often UPSC asks each sub-topic

Sub-topicQuestionsSince 2013Last asked
Laski · Pluralism442023
Bodin · Sovereignty432022
Kautilya · Sovereignty332024
Austin · Monism322021
Kautilya vs Western Theories322019
Kautilya · Rajamandala222026
Western Thinkers Compared202012
Monism vs Pluralism112026
Sovereignty Today112020
Kautilya · Saptanga102008
Nature of Sovereignty102006

Laski · Pluralism

4 questions · 4 since 2013 · last asked 2023

Asked since 2013 · 4

  • 2023Elucidate why the absolute nature of sovereignty was rejected by Laski. (20 marks)
  • 2018Critically evaluate Laski’s view on sovereignty as a satisfactory position in political theory. (15 marks)
  • 2016On what grounds does Laski criticize Austin’s concept of sovereignty? (15 marks)
  • 2015Explain Harold Laski’s critique of sovereignty. (10 marks)

Bodin · Sovereignty

4 questions · 3 since 2013 · last asked 2022

Asked since 2013 · 3

  • 2022What arguments does Bodin present to contend that sovereignty must be absolute, perpetual and undivided? Is Bodin’s conception of sovereignty compatible with the social and political ideals of equality, justice and liberty? Critically discuss. (20 marks)
  • 2020Explain the importance of Bodin’s theory of sovereignty. (10 marks)
  • 2016“Sovereignty is the supreme power over citizens and subjects, unrestrained by law. ” Discuss. (10 marks)
Show 1 earlier question (before 2013)

2010 · 1 question

  • 2010Does Bodin’s theory of sovereignty float in the air? Critically examine (20 marks)

Kautilya · Sovereignty

3 questions · 3 since 2013 · last asked 2024

Asked since 2013 · 3

  • 2024What insights does the *Arthasastra* offer with regard to the concept of sovereignty? Does it have any relevance in the modern times? Critically discuss. (15 marks)
  • 2021Discuss Kautilya’s contribution regarding the concept of sovereignty. Is it applicable in a democratic form of government? Explain. (15 marks)
  • 2018Discuss Kautilya’s concept of sovereignty in the light of Danda-neeti’. (10 marks)

Austin · Monism

3 questions · 2 since 2013 · last asked 2021

Asked since 2013 · 2

  • 2021Is Austin’s theory of sovereignty compatible with democracy? Discuss. (10 marks)
  • 2014Explain the significance of John Austin’s theory of sovereignty. How does it differ from that of Hobbes? (10 marks)
Show 1 earlier question (before 2013)

2000 · 1 question

  • 2000Critically examine John Austin’s monistic theory of sovereignty. (60 marks)

Kautilya vs Western Theories

3 questions · 2 since 2013 · last asked 2019

Asked since 2013 · 2

  • 2019Discuss how far does Austin’s concept of sovereignty go along with Kautilya’s concept of sovereignty. (20 marks)
  • 2017Discuss whether Kautilya’s concept of sovereignty turns into a despotic rule. How far is it comparable to Bodin’s concept? Discuss. (15 marks)
Show 1 earlier question (before 2013)

2011 · 1 question

  • 2011Compare and contrast Kautilya’s ‘ Saptanga’ Theory of the Sovereign State with Bodin’s theory of Sovereignty (15 marks)

Kautilya · Rajamandala

2 questions · 2 since 2013 · last asked 2026

Asked since 2013 · 2

  • 2026Evaluate the importance of Kautilya’s theory of Rajamandala in the context of sovereignty. (20 marks)
  • 2025There is no permanent friend or permanent enemy.’ Discuss this statement in the light of Kautilya’s view on Sovereignty. (15 marks)

Western Thinkers Compared

2 questions · 0 since 2013 · last asked 2012

2009–2012 · 2 questions

  • 2012Who amongst Austin, Bodin and Laski is the most consistent in his analysis of the concept of sovereignty? (12 marks)
  • 2009Compare Bodin’s and Austin’s views on sovereignty (20 marks)

Monism vs Pluralism

1 question · 1 since 2013 · last asked 2026

Asked since 2013 · 1

  • 2026Explain the contrast between the monistic and pluralistic approaches to sovereignty. (15 marks)

Sovereignty Today

1 question · 1 since 2013 · last asked 2020

Asked since 2013 · 1

  • 2020State and explain the relevance of the doctrine of sovereignty in times of globalization. (15 marks)

Kautilya · Saptanga

1 question · 0 since 2013 · last asked 2008

2008 · 1 question

  • 2008Critically examine Kautilya’s saptang theory of sovereign state (20 marks)

Nature of Sovereignty

1 question · 0 since 2013 · last asked 2006

2006 · 1 question

  • 2006Explain the notion of sovereignty. Critically consider in this context the claim that sovereignty is illimitable and logically indivisible (60 marks)

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Individual and State: Rights, Duties, Accountability

Individual and State: Rights; Duties and Accountability.

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