The Mauryan Polity c7.s5.t5: State and sannyāsins

The Mauryan Polity c7.s5.t5

Language: English

State and sannyāsins

c7.s5.t5.1

Yet another function of the king was to watch the conduct as well as the movements of the ascetics as a class. Though Kauṭalya mentions in several places that due regard must be shown to ascetics, and preference must be given to cases touching them, yet unrighteous proceedings by them were not to be tolerated. Because they were Sannyāsins and consequently honoured by the state, they could not abuse their privilege. Any such abuse, wilful or improper, was dealt with. Fines were the usual form of punishment. It was realised that such improper conduct on the part of the Sannyāsin would be not only a negation of righteousness but the predominance of vice which, according to the author of the Arthaśāstra, would tend in the long run to be a source of harm to the king.¹

c7.s5.t5.2

¹ Bk. III, Ch. 16. Cp. Kauśāmbi Pillar-Edict: Allahabad-Kośam and Sāmchi Pillar where Aśoka refers to the nature of punishment to monks and nuns. Corpus, pp. 159-160.

Linked texts (1)

Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra — Kauṭilya, Sanskrit