[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [Hindu Administrative Institutions](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.dikshitar-1929) › c6.s3.15 # Hindu Administrative Institutions c6.s3.15 Hindu Administrative Institutions c6.s3.15 - **Language:** English ### [c6.s3.15](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.dikshitar-1929.c6.s3.15) Every \*parvan\* of the \*Mahābhārata\* has something or other to say on the \*trivarga\*. In chap. v of the \*Sabhā Parvan\* Nārada is said to have asked Yudhiṣṭhira questions in words pregnant with \*dharma\*, \*kāma\* and \*artha\*, धर्मकामार्थसंयुक्तं (19). The first questions are interesting. ‘Are you increasing your wealth? Is your mind rooted in \*dharma\*? Are you enjoying happiness with a controlled mind?¹ Is \*dharma\* being fulfilled according to \*artha\*, and \*artha\* according to \*dharma\*? Are these two not being obstructed by \*kāma\*? Are you observing these three aims in their proper place and time?² According to the sage Vidura, \*trivarga\* is said to take its source from \*dharma\* just like the state.³ Manu says,⁴ ‘Some say that \*dharma\* and \*artha\* are of supreme importance. Some are of opinion that \*artha\* and \*kāma\* are the most important. Others say that \*artha\* alone is important. For it is the sole means for \*dharma\* and \*kāma\*. But my opinion is all the three are of capital importance,⁵ in that each of them is complementary to the other.’ The non-observance of \*dharma\* (शास्त्रविहितमनतिष्ठन् according to Kullūka Bhaṭṭa) will lead to misery. Hence though confronted by insuperable difficulties one must not cross the boundary of dharma.¹ Such standards of \*artha\* and \*kāma\* that go against the ordained principles of \*dharma\* must be abandoned.² Hence the king must endeavour to administer justice in accordance with the standards of \*dharma\*, \*artha\* and \*kāma\* by consulting his ministers either in the middle of the day or in the night.³ - [Previous: c6.s3.14](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.dikshitar-1929.c6.s3.14) - [Next: c6.s3.16](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.dikshitar-1929.c6.s3.16) - [Up: c6.s3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.dikshitar-1929.c6.s3) ## Cites (2) - [Mānava Dharmaśāstra](https://indike.org/pramana/in.niti.dharma.manu) — Manu & Bhṛgu, Sanskrit - [Mahābhārata](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.mahabharata.vyasa) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.dikshitar-1929.c6.s3.15](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.dikshitar-1929.c6.s3.15) · Pramāṇa