The State in Ancient India: A Study in the Structure and Practical Working of Political Institutions in North India in Ancient Times c9.s3.38

c9.s3.38

Throughout the Rāmāyaṇa the Purohita appears as the right-hand man of the king, his constant advisor. The king had eight ministers, who had served the dynasty from father to son. Here is a strong confirmation of the view that high office was often hereditary. They were expected to be upright counsellors, capable administrators, ever intent on the good of the monarch, skilful in divining the motives of others, adepts in dealing tactfully with the people, ever busy in replenishing the treasury and in enrolling troops for the defence of the realm. They should bear no ill-will towards Brâhmaṇas or Kṣatriyas or the people at large.¹ The priest and ministers could play a higher role in emergencies. When Daśaratha dies of bereavement, they take the situation in hand, send for Bharata from his maternal grandfather's country, press the sovereignty on him, and failing in their endeavour, accompany him to Rāma's forest abode and participate in consultations of high moment.² Sumantra can reprove the queen herself. From a passage in the Yuddhakāṇḍa it appears that ministers fell into two classes, Sacivas and Mantrins and that the term amātya was a general one including both.³ Another passage in the Ayodhyākāṇḍa divides ministers into three classes—Mukhya or chief, Madhyama or middle and Jaghanya or low. In the same section, the Ayodhyākāṇḍa speaks of eighteen Tīrthas or heads of departments of superior and inferior categories.⁴ As in the Mahābhārata, one of the most important offices is that of the ambassador. The lives of envoys are sacrosanct.⁵ Kings had magnificent courts. The Ayodhyākāṇḍa mentions one which consisted of a thousand members.⁶