The Mauryan Polity c8.s1.t2: The council chamber

The Mauryan Polity c8.s1.t2

Language: English

The council chamber

c8.s1.t2.1

There was a council chamber. It was to be well guarded. It was a secret hall not easily accessible to man and beast. It was so constructed that any endeavour to overhear the proceedings would prove futile. Kauṭalya knows of cases where birds and beasts had disclosed the secrets of the council-business.² With necessary precautions the king was to enter the chamber lest the proceedings of the council should be divulged.

c8.s1.t2.2

² *Ibid.*

c8.s1.t2.3

Kauṭalya did not believe the members for they were liable to let out secrets through the unconscious channels of signs and gestures (*ingita* and *ākāra*). Hence according to the *Arthaśāstra* they should also be kept under some restraint until the resolution of the council was given effect to (*ayuktapuruṣarakṣaṇam ākāryakālāt*).

Linked texts (1)

Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra — Kauṭilya, Sanskrit