What if we told you that the entire history of political systems boils down to one simple, even absurd, question: Who should tell everyone else what to do? From the dawn of civilization to the digital age, humanity has embarked on a grand, often bloody, and always dramatic quest for an answer. This book is the story of that adventure.

In From Dharma to Democracy, author Shyam Mudireddy takes you on an epic, globe-trotting journey through six thousand years of governance. With a voice that is both scholarly and refreshingly witty, he explores the triumphs and spectacular failures of every system we've ever tried. You’ll encounter God-kings, emperors, and philosophers, and witness how power has been—and continues to be—wielded, whether from a throne or a parliament floor.

This is not a dry academic text. Shyam approaches his subject with a “constructively skeptical” tone, taking political ideas seriously while recognizing that the gap between theory and practice is often wide enough to "drive a tank through". From the divine rights of monarchs to the promises of modern democracies, he peels back the layers to reveal the curious business of being governed.

The book pays special attention to the Indian subcontinent’s profound contributions to political thought and practice. You will discover how ancient Indian philosophies of Dharma, or righteous governance, shaped civilizations and how India's ongoing experiment with democracy offers crucial lessons for the world today.

From Dharma to Democracy is a masterfully crafted work that combines historical rigor with sharp, modern insight. It explores the rise and fall of autocracies, the great ideological experiments of the 20th century, and the economic systems that underpin political power. Ultimately, it asks what actually works in the grand theater of governance—and what lessons history offers for our most pressing contemporary challenges. Whether you are a student of history, a political observer, or simply a curious citizen, this book will change the way you think about power, people, and the perennial question of who is in charge.