The Political Institutions and Theories of the Hindus: A Study in Comparative Politics c10.s2.t2.2

c10.s2.t2.2

The second was the *Mantri-parishat* or the executive "Council of Ministers". Its functions were fourfold: commencement of work not begun, completion of the work already begun, improvement of accomplished work, and proper execution of passed orders. Members of this body did not ordinarily take part in the deliberations of the "Council of State" but only looked after their respective charges. On emergency, however, they might be invited to join the Council of State. The advice of the majority (*bhûyisṭhâh*) would appear to have often been rejected by the Emperor at discretion if some other course appealed to him as more conducive to success.