The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c10.79

c10.79

The Senâpati seems to stand at the head of ministers. Having determined on renunciation, a king calls his ministers with the Senâpati at their head (V, 178). “The king cares nothing for the city,” once the people say, “we will inform the Senâpati” (V, 459). Once the ministers offer the crown to the Senâpati but he declines it and departing for the forest, bequeaths a testament of laws to be followed in the administration of justice (V, 125). The Senâpati not only wielded the military command as his title implies, but also performed other functions. He decided cases. A corrupt Senâpati is seen accepting a bribe (II, 186). Sometimes a relation of the king, for instance, a step-brother, or a son, was appointed Senâpati (I, 133; IV, 168; VI, 30).