The Mauryan Polity c8.s1.t6.12

c8.s1.t6.12

Here the term bhūyiṣṭhaḥ as has been elsewhere said,³ does not connote majority opinion but refers to the mature opinion of the highly learned members, if we interpret the term in the light of the expression *buddhivṛddhāḥ* in the same chapter. This does not mean that the voice of the other members was not heard. On the other hand there is evidence to show that a frank discussion was allowed in the council and every one including the absentee members had his say. For the absentees had to send their views for discussion in the council.¹ But final decision rested with the council as a whole. In other words the ministers were consulted individually and then jointly.² It was the onerous task of the king as the president to convert the opposition to his side and thus act on the unanimous decision.