Public Administration in Ancient India c13.39

c13.39

The capacities and characters of individual officers, of course, varied. While many officers were devoted to the interests of the State, there were others who had to be kept on the path of duty by a strict system of supervision and control. The subordinate officers of the revenue and financial departments, in particular, did not enjoy much reputation for honesty. Chānakya observes, “ Just as it is impossible not to taste the honey or the poison that is below the tongue, so it is impossible for a King’s revenue-officer to refrain from tasting even a little of the royal revenue.” The fact, however, that the administration was so efficient shows that the State was able to command the services of a large number of competent and honest officers.