State and Government in Ancient India c15.4

c15.4

Ministry or a Council of Advisers has been regarded by ancient Indian political thinkers as a very vital organ of the body politic. The *Mahābhārata* observes in one place that the king is as vitally dependent upon ministers as animals are upon clouds, Brāhmaṇas on the Vedas and women upon their husbands (V. 37. 38). The *Arthaśāstra* reminds the king that he can succeed only if assisted by competent councillors; one wheel alone does not move the carriage.¹ Manu points out that even a simple thing appears as difficult if one is to do it single-handed; why then attempt to run the complex machinery of the administration without the assistance of ministers²? Śukra observes that even an all-round king cannot know everything; different persons have different aptitudes. The king therefore should enlist the help of competent ministers. Otherwise he will ensure the destruction of himself and his kingdom.¹ Hindu political thinkers, it is thus clear, always regarded ministry as indispensable for the king.