The Mauryan Polity c8.s1.t4: Choice of councillors

The Mauryan Polity c8.s1.t4

Language: English

Choice of councillors

c8.s1.t4.1

Much attention was bestowed on the appointment of councillors. The subjects dealt with by the council being varied and large in number, special care was taken in the choice of members to this all important institution. Just as the deserving few are fit to take part in the śrāddha of a śrotriya, so also the eminent few are considered fit to be members of a king’s learned council.¹ What qualifications were expected of these is mentioned in another chapter of the same book. They are to possess the following twenty-five qualities: being a native of the soil, coming of a noble family, self-controlled, versed in all arts and crafts, learned in the Arthaśāstra, wise, of retentive memory, clever, sweet in speech, generous, being a good debater, full of enthusiasm and energy, enduring, of tested honesty, of amicable nature, of unimpeachable loyalty, possessing good conduct, good physique, good health and courage, humble, of resolute nature, possessing an attractive personality, and being one who is ever for reconciliation. It may be pointed out here that the purohita was a member of the council,² and only a duly qualified man was appointed purohita.

c8.s1.t4.2

¹ Ar. śās., Bk. I, Ch. 15.

c8.s1.t4.3

² See Proceedings of the Third Oriental Conference, p. 615. It is refreshing to note that Dr. M. Winternitz has agreed with this viewpoint, see note on p. 34, Sir Asutosh Memo. Vol., Patna.

Linked texts (1)

Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra — Kauṭilya, Sanskrit