The Mauryan Polity c11.s1.t3.5

c11.s1.t3.5

The third was the principle of an all round exertion² as prescribed in the Arthaśāstra. In the opinion of the Kauṭalīya, utthāna is the chief requisite of a monarch. One should exert oneself and cultivate this habit even though one has to sacrifice other qualities (sarvam parityajya). Likewise Aśoka simply glorifies active exertion, but does not recommend a serious giving up of other things.