Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c8.s4.5

c8.s4.5

Deliberation. It discussed war and peace, defence and alliance, finance and pensions, and all other important affairs. One by one the members should express their opinion and debate freely. The final decision rested with the king alone, but he was expected generally to accept the view of the majority. Nothing was considered more important than to maintain secrecy about the proceedings of the Council. Deliberations were to be so carried on that “even birds cannot see them.” Secret agents exhausted all human ingenuity in detecting any breach of faith. Those who disclosed the counsels should be torn to pieces. But no amount of precaution and no amount of terrorism could completely overcome the difficulty. So Kautalya recognises a kind of informal inner Council, consisting of three or four ministers whom the king should consult, especially in emergencies. Of course, the king could consult any ministers, individually or collectively, as he thought fit. In emergencies,