New Delhi, April 29 -- "Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one" - the famous line was written by Thomas Paine in his 1776 pamphlet Common Sense, one of the most influential political writings in American history.

The quote appeared during growing tensions between the American colonies and Britain in the years leading up to the American Revolution. At the time, many colonists were frustrated with British taxation, lack of representation in Parliament, and increasing control by the British Crown.

Paine wrote Common Sense to argue that the colonies should break away from British rule and establish an independent republic. The pamphlet was written in simple, direct language so ord...