State and Government in Ancient India c8.s2.60

c8.s2.60

Of the above mentioned works, we may review in detail the *Mānasollāsa* or *Abhilashitārtha chintāmaṇi*, as a typical work of the class; it was composed by the Chālukya king Someśvara (1125-1138 A. D.) Though written by a ruler, it is most disappointing as a book on Polity. Of its hundred chapters as many as 60 deal with the king’s luxuries, amusements and pastimes (*upabhogas*, *pramodas* and *krīḍās*) and only the first forty deal with the aquisition of a kingdom and its stabilisation. But even here the viewpoint is more religious than secular. Among the best means of gaining a kingdom figure the telling of the truth, the observance of sex morality, the offering of Śrāddha and the going on pilgrimage. The royal author is more anxious to display his knowledge of other subjects than that of the science of politics and seizes every opportunity to make unjustified digressions. While dealing with the health of the king, he gives a long list of tonics; while referring to the duties of the treasurer, he gives the multiplication tables, rules of three and five, etc. (II. 99-123). The author is less anxious to give instructions about the training of war elephants and more particular to give details about their abodes and varieties (II. 172-331). While dealing with the army we have large sections on the medical treatment of horses and elephants (II. 529-674). The section on treasury gives less information about the principles of taxation and its varieties and more details about the qualities and types of pearls, diamonds, etc. (II. 361-516). While dealing with military operations, we have a very detailed discussion of good and bad omens to be inferred from the position of stars and planets and the notes and cries of crows, dogs and jackals (II. 753-948).