The King and the Amatya in Arthashastra

Introduction

Here we focus on two of the seven elements of a Kautilyan state: the King (Swami) and the Ministers (Amatya). We will explore their roles, responsibilities, and the qualities expected of them in the context of public administration.

The King's Primary Duty

According to Arthashastra, the king's primary duty is to protect the subjects and their properties. This includes protection from both anti-social elements (thieves, dacoits, etc.) and natural calamities (fire, flood, etc.).

Ensuring Welfare (Yoga-kshema)

The king must ensure the welfare (Yoga-kshema) of the subjects.

• Yoga: Successful accomplishment of an objective.
• Kshema: Peaceful and undisturbed enjoyment of what has been accomplished.

To achieve this, the king should undertake activities like settling virgin land, building irrigation works, providing pastures for cattle, opening trade routes, and ensuring the safety of mines.

Addressing the Welfare of Citizens

The king must prioritize the welfare of the citizens, ensuring that trade benefits them and avoiding any profit that could be harmful. During natural calamities, the king should care for the subjects like a father.

Arthashastra cautions that if the ruler neglects the welfare of the citizens, they may become dissatisfied and even try to remove the ruler.

Desirable Requirements and Qualities of the King

Arthashastra outlines several desirable requirements for a king, including:

• Being a native of the territory.
• Following the teachings of the Shastras.
• Being free from disease and strong.
• Being of noble birth.

The king should also possess qualities such as:

• Inspirational qualities: Nobility, piety, truthfulness.
• Intellectual acumen: Ability to think clearly.
• Other qualities: Bravery, quick decision-making, and strength of mind.

The King's Schedule

Arthashastra provides a detailed daily schedule for the king, outlining how he should spend his time from 6 am to 6 am the next day. This schedule includes time for reviewing reports, public audiences, personal chores, receiving revenues, consulting with advisors, inspecting forces, and religious activities.

Advice from Vidura Niti

Vidura Niti offers advice on what a king should avoid, including:

• Women
• Playing dice (Aksha)
• Hunting (Mrigaya)
• Drinking (Panam)
• Harsh speech (Vakparushyam)
• Severe punishment (Danda parusham)
• Misuse of wealth (Artha dushanam)

Vidura Niti also advises the king on how to handle issues using intellect, discrimination, the four methods (Sama, Dana, Bheda, Danda), and control over the five senses.

The Role of Amatya (Ministers)

Arthashastra uses two terms: Amatya and Mantri.

• Mantris: Counsellors who hold secret consultations with the king.
• Amatyas: High-level executive officers who execute the king's decisions.

Their functions include consultations, execution of undertakings, inflicting punishments, developing new territories, and recovering fines and taxes.

The Importance of the Mantri-Parishad

The Mantri-Parishad (council of ministers) plays a crucial role in advising the king on matters of public administration. Kautilya suggests that the ideal size of the Mantri-Parishad is around 10-12 members. In emergencies, the king consults both the Mantri and the Mantri-Parishad and follows the majority view.

Conclusion

The roles of the king and the Amatya are crucial in ensuring good governance and public administration. The qualities, responsibilities, and guidelines discussed in this lecture provide valuable insights into the principles of leadership and governance in the Indian tradition.