Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c8.s1.30

c8.s1.30

Kautalya expected him to direct the administration, to work with the energy of a giant, the regularity of a clock, and the patience of a slave. Probably on the basis of some concrete examples, Kautalya framed a time-table which sheds a flood of light on the relations of the monarchy to daily governmental work. The day and the night were each divided into eight periods of equal length, viz., 1½ hours each. The king devoted four and a half hours to sleep, three to baths, meals, and private studies. Recreation was optional in another hour and a half, and a similar span was devoted to religious exercises. The remaining nine periods of 1½ hours each, were devoted to the business of the state. The day opened with deliberation on defence and finance, followed by an examination of popular complaints. A review of the Revenue Department, and appointments to offices of state, led to correspondence with ministers and a scrutiny of the reports of the Secret Intelligence Department. Next, the elephant force, the cavalry and the armoury were to be inspected, and the military situation and plans examined with the Commander-in-Chief. The day closed with the evening prayer. As darkness descended, the king received the secret emissaries. Refreshed with a bath, supper and sleep, he began to think again of the day's work. Administrative plans were to be thought out, and spies were to be despatched in all directions. Blessed by his priests and teachers, the king should enter the Court. Here he was expected to be visible and accessible to all. Thus came the personal touch so essential to relieve the mechanical character of all bureaucratic administration. In the court he must dispose of all urgent business with the utmost expedition. He should attend personally to the affairs of religion and humanity. Gods and Brāhmaṇas had the first claim on his attention. He should look after sacred places, and enquire into heresy. Whatever his religion, the sovereign was expected impartially and benevolently to relieve the helpless and the afflicted, the minors and the aged, and to redress the plaints of women. Another object, at once humanitarian and utilitarian, demanded his personal supervision—the safety of cattle. Lastly, in a chamber lighted by the sacred fire, he should receive physicians and ascetics, and in consultation with his high priest and teacher dispose of their affairs.