The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c14.139

c14.139

Kauṭalya knows of a chief minister, mantrin, the sovereign's representative, the vicegerent of the state, who recalls the Norman-Angevin Chancellor, the Turkish Grand Vizier and, above all, the Vaki of the Indian Mughals.³ The Senâpati or commander-in-chief who also acted as a sort of secretary for war, was another great officer. A third important minister was the ambassador. Kauṭalya lays down that whosoever has been successful as a counsellor is an envoy. There were to be three grades of envoys.¹ The Samâhartâ or collector-general of taxes, the Nidhâyaka or treasurer, Saunidhâtâ, another treasurer, perhaps of a higher grade, the Vyâvahârika or chief judge, the Karmântika or superintendent of manufactories, the storekeeper, the Nâyaka or chief constable are among the other chief officers.