Recently unearthed copper plates from the Amaravati region of Andhra Pradesh date back to the 8th century and describe a sophisticated Philosophy of Equitable Governance. Unlike later works that focus on absolute monarchy, these inscriptions argue that the ruler's authority is derived from a spiritual unity with the subjects, reflecting an early application of Advaita (non-dualist) thought to political science.
The plates contain instructions for local administrators to view the welfare of the citizenry as an extension of their own selfhood. Historians believe this find bridges the gap between metaphysical non-duality and the practical Niti (policy) of the medieval period, showcasing how ancient wisdom traditions directly informed statecraft.