Hindu Administrative Institutions c8.s3.29

c8.s3.29

The duty of this council of ministers became probably widened in course of time. Kāmandaka speaks of five characteristics of deliberation proper (the *mantra*)—mantrins, debate, division of time and place, and remedy against dangers. The functions allotted to each is then elaborately described.² According to Kauṭalya the council took cognizance of four things. These are commencing new works, completing works already begun, improving works already accomplished, and carrying out resolutions precisely.³