Hindu Administrative Institutions c8.s3.13

c8.s3.13

The term *mantripariṣad* (मंत्रिपरिषत्) means a definitely organized council of ministers who were concerned with the political affairs of the realm. The distinction came to be maintained in later Sanskrit literature especially in the *Dharmaśāstras* and the *Arthaśāstras*.² The *Kauṭalīya* mentions this term³ and refers it to the *Dharmaśāstras* of Bṛhaspati, Manu and Uśanas. This *mantripariṣad* was a cabinet of ministers. From early Vedic literature there is evidence to demonstrate that the king in ancient India was no autocrat exercising authority in an irresponsible manner. The *Rājakṛts* and the *Ratnins* of the *Brāhmaṇa* literature go to show that some constitutional check was placed on the institution of kingship. Further we hear of the Sabhās, Samiti and Pariṣad where the king took an active part.