The Mauryan Polity c7.s1.t11: The evidence of Arrian
The Mauryan Polity c7.s1.t11
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The evidence of Arrian
c7.s1.t11.1
In addition to the Buddhist tradition contained in the *Divyāvadāna* there is the valuable testimony of the Greek writer Arrian.² “The seventh caste consists of the councillors and assessors who deliberate on public affairs.” This fits in with the observation of Kauṭalya that all kinds of administrative measures were to be preceded by deliberations in a well-formed council.³ Thus every independent evidence goes to show that executive powers were exercised by the Mauryan Council. In the light of such unanimous testimony can we still seriously believe that the Mauryan monarchs were absolute or autocratic?
c7.s1.t11.2
² For the reliability of Arrian's accounts see Prof. Freeman, *Historical Essays*, quoted by K. G. Sankara in his paper on *Some Problems in Indian Chronology*: *Annals of Bh. Or. R. Institute*, Vol. XII, Pt. VI.
c7.s1.t11.3
³ *Ar. Śās.* Bk. I, Ch. 14.
Linked texts (2)
- Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra — Kauṭilya, Sanskrit
- Divyāvadāna — Sanskrit