Theory of Government in Ancient India (Post-Vedic) c8.s6.11

c8.s6.11

While religion is not essential, moral discipline is indispensable to political success. Self-control is the prime requisite in a king and his ministers.⁶ Knowledge is another necessary factor in governance. The world is rooted in riches; riches are rooted in knowledge; "knowledge is all."⁷ A third desideratum is unity of control. The king should keep his wives, relations, friends, counsellors and dependents in hand. All sorts of means may be employed for the purpose—conciliation, gifts, and diplomacy, that is, divide and rule.⁸ But a king is not to place too much faith in others. He must constantly guard his person. Even a son, if he comes in the way of policy, is to be considered an enemy.¹ It is not wise to get familiar with heretics and men of low castes.² The utmost care should be exercised in the selection of ministers. They must be men of high character, free from the vices of gambling, drinking and sensuality as well as from recklessness. They must be acquainted with Śāstras. Young men should not be appointed to the delicate office of counsellor.³ When counsellors have once been chosen, their advice should be calmly listened to without ebullitions of anger. The king should initiate a measure and the counsellors should express their opinions one by one. Victory is rooted in counsel. A policy is to be executed only after it has been carefully examined by counsellors. In state enterprise it is desirable to secure as much co-operation as possible. The best line of action is that in which relations, friends, learned and thoughtful people all concur. The best policy is that which commands the ready unanimity of wise counsellors. The next best is that where unanimity is arrived at after a good deal of difference. The worst case is that in which the consultation room is the scene of reproaches, broils and tears.⁴ State officers should receive their due need of respect. Village headmen and city-officers alike should be honoured.⁵