The Mauryan Polity c8.s1.t9: Other functions
The Mauryan Polity c8.s1.t9
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Other functions
c8.s1.t9.1
After a free and full discussion of the means, resources, and results in regard to a particular work or works, the council came to one of the following four decisions.³ They resolved, first, to undertake new works in their own country (akṛtārambhā), secondly, to complete works which had been already begun in their own state (ārabdhānuṣṭāna), thirdly, to improve works already executed (anuṣṭitaviśeṣa) with an eye to their importance and necessity, and lastly, to effect changes and improvements affecting the services of the state comprising both the civil and military departments (niyogasampat). The above functions allotted to this institution show its importance and paramount necessity of the mature deliberation on which the whole administrative edifice was allowed to rest.
c8.s1.t9.2
³ *Ibid.*
c8.s1.t9.3
*The council not a mere advisory body*
c8.s1.t9.4
It is not altogether correct to take a narrow view of the functions attributed to the council. It has been contended that the deliberation was of an advisory nature and the minister was all powerful, but not the council of ministers.¹ These statements are untenable for various reasons. First, if the council was merely an advisory body, and if the final voice rested with the king, what is then the force of the statement that even in matters of urgency the council should be summoned and the decision of its best men be adopted?² Secondly, there is another prescription of the Kauṭalīya which says that “all kinds of administrative measures are to be preceded by deliberations in a well-formed council”.³ Thirdly, there is the interesting statement, namely, kingship is possible through assistance. One wheel is useless by itself. Hence the king must appoint councillors and act up to their advice.⁴ Fourthly, there is the statement which we have already quoted that government is dependent not only on the personality of the king but also on the help of his friends, the councillors. Fifthly, even in the matter of appointing superintendents and heads of departments, it was done with the approval of the ministry including the Purohita.¹ It is thus evident that the council enjoyed executive powers, and that the king did not generally go against its wishes. Thus neither the minister alone nor the king alone could act, but the king with the body of ministers did act.
c8.s1.t9.5
¹ See *Glories of Magadha*, pp. 92-97.
c8.s1.t9.6
² *Ar. Śās.*, Bk. I, ch. 15.
c8.s1.t9.7
³ *Ibid.* See also Bk. VIII, ch. 1.
c8.s1.t9.8
⁴ Bk. I, ch. 7.
c8.s1.t9.9
¹ Bk. I, ch. 10.
Linked texts (1)
- Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra — Kauṭilya, Sanskrit