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Manasara Series (I. A Dictionary of Hindu Architecture; II. Indian Architecture according to Manasara-Shilpashastra; III. Manasara on Architecture and Sculpture: Sanskrit Text; IV. Architecture of Manasara: Translation; V. Architecture of Manasara: Illustrations; VI. Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad; VII. An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture) v2.c14.s29: Chapter XLI-XLII: Royal Courts and Characteristics of Kings (Rājāṅga-lakshaṇa, Bhūpāla-lakshaṇa)

Mānasāra Series (I. A Dictionary of Hindu Architecture; II. Indian Architecture according to Mānasāra-Śilpaśāstra; III. Mānasāra on Architecture and Sculpture: Sanskrit Text; IV. Architecture of Mānasāra: Translation; V. Architecture of Mānasāra: Illustrations; VI. Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad; VII. An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture) v2.c14.s29

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English

Chapter XLI-XLII: Royal Courts and Characteristics of Kings (Rājāṅga-lakshaṇa, Bhūpāla-lakshaṇa)

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These two chapters deal with the royal courts, the classification of kings, the qualities which are required in a good ruler, and so forth.

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Kings are divided, in descending progression of rank, into nine classes namely, *chakravartin*, *mahārāja* (or *adhirāja*), *mahendra* (or *narendra*), *pārshṇika*, *paṭṭadhara*, *maṇḍaleśa*, *paṭṭabhāj*, *prāhāraka*, and *astragrāhin*.

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The opening and closing lines of chapter XLI describe the general qualifications of all kings. They should know philosophy and religion and must be learned in all the Śāstras, and in the political, military, civil and moral laws. They should be haughty (*uddhata*), gracious (*lalita*) and generous (*udātta*) in their behaviour. They should have the direct knowledge of and control over the subordinate kings and ministers. They should themselves be great warriors and wise in all matters. The treasury should always be kept full and they should themselves be religious and of strict morals. They should be the protectors of their subjects. They should possess peace of mind, love of fame, good taste in matters of art, and fondness for music (*Gāndharva-śāstra*).

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Then it is stated of each of the nine classes of kings what should be the number of his horses, elephants, soldiers, women and queens. The *astragrāhin*, for instance, who is least in rank, is said to possess 500 horses, 500 elephants, an army of 50,000 soldiers, 500 female attendants and one queen (*mahishī*). The *prāhāraka*, who follows next, has 600 horses, 600 elephants, 100,000 soldiers, 700 beautiful women and two queens. The highest figures are reached in the case of the *chakravartin* or universal monarch.

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Chapter XLII begins with the classification of kings mentioned above. The extent of their kingdoms and some special characteristics of each of the nine classes of kings are then described. The empire of the *chakravartin* reaches as far as the four oceans (*chatuḥ-sāgara*). He is the suzerain of all subordinate kings. He is strict in his judgment of right and wrong, but protects the people with kindness and mercy. He is famous and the most fortunate of all. The next king (*mahārāja* or *adhirāja*) is the lord of seven kingdoms. He has the six principal kingly qualities (*guṇa*), the six strengths (*bala*), and the three powers (*śakti*).¹ He is also versed in politics (*nīti*). He is born either in the Solar or in the Lunar race. The remaining seven classes of kings are similarly described.

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¹ The six 'qualities' (*guṇa*) of a king are found in Manu, VII, 160:

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संधिं च विग्रहं चैव यानमासनमेव च ।
द्वैधीभावं संश्रयं च षड्गुणं चिन्तयेत्सदा ॥

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"Let him (the king) constantly think of the six measures of royal policy (*guṇa*), viz., alliance, war, marching, halting, dividing the army, and seeking protection." (Bühler, *S. B. E.* XXV, p. 241). But according to another source the six *guṇa*s or qualities of a king are valour, energy, firmness, ability, liberality and majesty. The three royal powers (*śakti*) are found in the *Amarakosha* 2, 8, 1, 19—*śaktayas tisraḥ prabhāvotsāha-mantrajāḥ*, "the three powers come forth from majesty, energy and good counsel."

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A point of great historical interest in this passage is that royalty is no longer the monopoly of the Kshatriyas. A king may belong to any of the four castes—the Brāhmaṇas, the Kshatriyas, the Vaiśyas, and even the Śūdras The *prāhāraka* is expressly stated to belong to any of the four castes.

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The nine kinds of crowns, which pertain to these nine classes of kings, are then described. This subject, however, is more elaborately treated in the 49th chapter (*Abhisheka lakshaṇa*). Next comes the description of the nine kinds of thrones used by the nine classes of kings. Here other royal insignia, particularly the white umbrella (*dhavala-chhattra*) and the chowrie or fly-whisk made of the yak's tail (*chāmara*) are also mentioned. Thrones, it will be noticed, are fully dealt with in the 45th chapter (*Simhāsana-lakshaṇa-vidhāna*).

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The next point of importance is the rate of royal revenue. The *chakravartin* takes only one-tenth of the produce as his share. The *mahārāja* takes one-sixth, the *narendra* one-fifth, the *pārshṇika* one-quarter, the *paṭṭadhara* one-third; the exact proportions of the other kings' shares are not given. No tax should be illegally imposed. Punishment and fines should be legal and moderate. The temples, as well as the Brāhmaṇas, the hermits and similar people should be supported by the state.

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At the end of the chapter it is stated that this description of kings is made on the authority of the *Vedas*, the *Purāṇas*, and the *Śāstras*.

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