Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c11.s2.t4.3

c11.s2.t4.3

Somadeva Sūri’s fame as a politicist will always rest on the Nitivākyāmṛta but many of his ideas are also to be found in one of his earlier works called Yaśastilaka-Champū. In its third Āśvāsa or chapter he gives a description of king Yaśodhara and touches on a variety of political topics. His diction and lucidity are admirable, but practically all he has to say here on government has been incorporated in the Nitivākyāmṛta.² Somadeva is believed to have written at least three other works which have not yet been discovered but of which one called Trivargamahendramātalisañjalpa appears from its name to have touched on politics. It purports to be a dialogue between Indra and his charioteer Matali or Dharma, Artha and Kāma.