The Inner Conflict of Tradition: Essays in Indian Ritual, Kingship, and Society c13.s1.19

c13.s1.19

Viewed in this light, the strong emphasis on unanimity comes into its own. It is reminiscent of the traditional pañcāyat and similar gatherings, where we also find this stress on unanimity and consensus as a corollary of the strife and factionalism characteristic of the little community. Unanimity and consensus have their proper place in the tribal order, with its diffusion of power and authority. In the bureaucratic order, where power and authority are clearly articulated and decisions have to be made in a rationalized way, they can only be of marginal importance, as seems to be the case in Kauṭilya's auditing process. This means that Kauṭilya wants to realize a bureaucratic order, but is held back by the tribal order, which wrecks his intentions.