India as Known to Panini: A Study of the Cultural Material in the Ashtadhyayi c12.s1.4

c12.s1.4

*COUNCIL OF MINISTERS* (PARISHAD)—Pāṇini is acquainted with the *parishad* as a recognized institution of his time of which he mentions three kinds, (1) social (IV.4.44), (2) literary (IV.3.123), and (3) political (V.2.112). A member of a *parishad* was called *pārishada* and *pārishadya* (IV.4.101). He must be duly qualified or eligible for it (*sādhu*). One who joined the meeting of a *parishad* was called *pārishadya* (*parishadaṁ samavaiti*, IV.4.44). This *parishad* or social congregation was like the *samāja*. *Parishad* as a political institution is mentioned in *sūtra* V.2.112 (*Rajaḥ-kṛishy-āsuti-parishado valach*) prescribing the form *parishadvala*, which the commentators apply to a king with his Council of Ministers (*parishadvalo rājā*). The Buddhist literature, Kauṭilya and Aśoka inscriptions contain references to this institution. In the *Mahāsīlava Jātaka*, the king's *Parishad* consisting of ministers (*amachchas*) is spoken of as perfectly disciplined to act harmoniously with the will of the king (*evaṁ suvinitā kir'assa parisā*, Jāt. I.264). Aśoka in Rock Edicts III and VI mentions the *Parishad* which was summoned to consider urgent matters (*achāyike*). An authoritative account of the constitution of the *Mantri-Parishad* is given in Kauṭilya who describes it as a well-established institution invested with definite constitutional powers in relation to the king and the business of the State (*Arth.* I.11., p. 26-29).