PVLF 2026

Interview with Prashant Anand, Author of “Rules to Rule”

IPS officer Prashant’s Rules to Rule blends ancient Indian rulers’ wisdom with modern governance, offering timeless lessons on leadership and statecraft.
on Aug 25, 2025

Frontlist: What inspired you, as a serving IPS officer with deep experience in national security, to write Rules to Rule, a book that bridges ancient Indian leadership with modern governance?

Prashant: As a police officer, you often encounter situations that prompt deep reflection—why did a particular event happen? Could it have been handled better? What might be the long-term consequences of even a seemingly minor incident? Over time, these questions lead you to seek wisdom and foresight from past experiences to respond more effectively in the future. You also come to realise that the full picture—whether of a small episode or a major event—often unfolds gradually.

Such ideas led me to explore the lives of some of the most illustrious rulers of ancient India, searching for insights on wisdom, foresight, and statecraft. Afterall, centuries have distilled valuable lessons from those historical episodes—lessons that remain deeply relevant even today.

Frontlist: Rules to Rule explores leadership through the lives of 19 ancient Indian Rulers. How did your work in counterinsurgency and national security shape your interpretation of their strategies and decisions?

Prashant: When someone spends a significant amount of time working in counterinsurgency, they come to appreciate the importance of taking tough,timely decisions. It also becomes clear that idealism can only survive when it walks hand in hand with realism. The moment we ignore the ground realities—especially in conflict zones—idealism is swiftly overpowered by the opposing side.

Similar consequences unfolded in the histories of several ancient Indian Dynasties, including the great Mauryan Empire—whose last ruler was overthrown and killed by his own general, as he was considered unable to defend against invaders.

Frontlist: In a world of fast-changing leadership paradigms, what enduring principles from ancient India do you believe are most critical for today’s public servants and national leaders?

Prashant: If you ask for one take away for public servants and national leaders from the stories of ancient Indian kingdoms - it is being able to appreciate that prolonged conflicts - whether at the level of empires or within the society -weakens the state . Therefore all such conflicts need to be addressed diligently.Negotiations should be pursued while simultaneously building the strength needed to respond decisively if required. For internal, societal tensions, the answer lies not in appeasement or provocation for short-term gains, but intaking prudent, thoughtful steps toward reconciliation.

Frontlist: The theme of patriotism runs beneath your professional life and your writing.Do you see this book as a form of patriotic contribution—reviving India’s historical wisdom for contemporary nation-building?

Prashant: Certainly .Whenever we look back at our history, culture, and traditions—not merely to take pride, but to deeply understand the factors behind the periods of growth and fatigue —we gain clarity to deal with complex situations in the future. This understanding helps us act more responsibly as citizens and that is,in itself, a meaningful way to contribute to nation-building.

Frontlist: Which ruler’s story among the 19 resonated with you the most on a personal level, and why?

Prashant: Among all, it’s Chandragupta Maurya who inspires me the most. Raised among peacock tanners, he rose to become the king of one of the greatest empires in the world—not by luck or chance, but through disciplined and systematic effort.Before launching his campaign against the unpopular Nanda rule in Pataliputra,he received rigorous training under Chanakya in politics, strategy, warfare,administration, and philosophy.

What truly sets him apart is his foresight—his ability to understand the broader consequences of events unfolding far beyond his immediate surroundings,especially the campaigns of Alexander and his generals in the northwestern regions of India. The vast expansion he secured for the Mauryan Empire,stretching from Pataliputra to the borders of Central Asia, was unprecedented in Indian history.

Frontlist: How do you envision your book contributing to the broader discourse on Indian leadership—especially in an era where global models often overshadow indigenous frameworks?

Prashant: India has one of the most ancient and sophisticated traditions of politics and statecraft—grounded not merely in religious ideals, but in realism and structural insight. Long before Machiavelli, Chanakya had already laid the foundation for a pragmatic and strategic approach to governance. Later on , Samudragupta Implemented a remarkably nuanced administrative strategy, dividing his empire into four categories: directly governed regions, tributary states, reinstated rulers,and autonomous territories—based on the empire’s capacity to exert authority.He even allowed other states to use the Gupta Garuda Seal in return for tribute and acknowledgment of Gupta suzerainty. This layered and flexible model of overlordship was far ahead of its time. Such examples reflect the depth of India's political wisdom—rich with insights still relevant in the modern world.

Frontlist: As a first-time author with a demanding public service career, what challenges did you face in researching and writing Rules to Rule, and what kept you committed to the project?

Prashant: I think it ultimately depends on your interest and ability to manage time and priorities. With a small but consistent effort, a project like this can be successfully completed alongside other commitments.

Frontlist: What message would you like young readers—especially aspiring civil servants and future leaders—to take away from your book, in terms of patriotism, public duty, and ethical governance?

Prashant: I firmly believe that strength of character matters more than power or fame. By Strength of character, I mean the capacity to act in larger interests, to cut through clutter and find clarity even in the most chaotic situations, to act decisively at the right moment, and to hold back wisely when things don’t go as planned—preserving energy and intent for another day.