Public Administration in Ancient India c11.34

c11.34

Before any important administrative step was taken, the matter was discussed and decided in the Council of Ministers (Mantri-parishat).² This Council was composed of the great Officers-of-State and a few other members who held no office. The size of the Council varied according to circumstances. The school of Brihaspati held that the number of Councillors should be sixteen, Usanas thought it should be twenty, while, in the opinion of Manu, twelve were sufficient. Chānakya was in favour of a fairly large Council,¹ but he thought that the actual number of members should depend upon the needs of the State.²