War in Ancient India c11.48

c11.48

Among the seven elements, the svāmin or king was the pivot of the whole system, and his office carried with it grave and great responsibilities (svāmi sampat). There is a catalogue of virtues expected of a good king.²³ According to Kauṭalya, sovereignty depends on the co-operation of the svāmin with the other elements like ministers, army, etc. Great care was to be taken in choosing the right type of men as councillors.²⁴ We are given an ideal description of a kingdom and a fortress, the third and fourth elements of sovereignty.²⁵ A rich treasury, a hereditary army, mainly composed of Kṣatriyas, and loyal allies are the last three elements,²⁶ which are rightly emphasised.