2/2/2015

TheLawsofManuVII

SacredTextsIndexHinduismIndexLawsofManuIndexPreviousNext

CHAPTERVII.
1.Iwilldeclarethedutiesofkings,(and)showhowakingshouldconducthimself,howhewascreated,
andhow(hecanobtain)highestsuccess.
2.AKshatriya,whohasreceivedaccordingtotherulethesacramentprescribedbytheVeda,mustduly
protectthiswhole(world).
3.For,whenthesecreatures,beingwithoutaking,throughfeardispersedinalldirections,theLord
createdakingfortheprotectionofthiswhole(creation),
4.Taking(forthatpurpose)eternalparticlesofIndra,oftheWind,ofYama,oftheSun,ofFire,of
Varuna,oftheMoon,andoftheLordofwealth(Kubera).
5.Becauseakinghasbeenformedofparticlesofthoselordsofthegods,hethereforesurpassesall
createdbeingsinlustre
6.And,likethesun,heburnseyesandheartsnorcananybodyonearthevengazeonhim.
7.Throughhis(supernatural)powerheisFireandWind,heSunandMoon,hetheLordofjustice
(Yama),heKubera,heVaruna,hegreatIndra.
8.Evenaninfantkingmustnotbedespised,(fromanidea)thatheisa(mere)mortalforheisagreat
deityinhumanform.
9.Fireburnsonemanonly,ifhecarelesslyapproachesit,thefireofaking's(anger)consumesthe
(whole)family,togetherwithitscattleanditshoardofproperty.
10.Havingfullyconsideredthepurpose,(his)power,andtheplaceandthetime,heassumesbyturns
many(different)shapesforthecompleteattainmentofjustice.
11.He,inwhosefavourresidesPadma,thegoddessoffortune,inwhosevalourdwellsvictory,inwhose
angerabidesdeath,isformedofthelustreofall(gods).
12.The(man),whoinhisexceedingfollyhateshim,willdoubtlesslyperishforthekingquicklymakes
uphismindtodestroysuch(aman).
13.Letno(man),therefore,transgressthatlawwhichfavourites,nor(hisorders)whichinflictpainon
thoseindisfavour.
14.Forthe(king's)saketheLordformerlycreatedhisownson,Punishment,theprotectorofall
creatures,(anincarnationof)thelaw,formedofBrahman'sglory.
15.Throughfearofhimallcreatedbeings,boththeimmovableandthemovable,allowthemselvestobe
enjoyedandswervenotfromtheirduties.
16.Havingfullyconsideredthetimeandtheplace(oftheoffence),thestrengthandtheknowledge(of
theoffender),lethimjustlyinflictthat(punishment)onmenwhoactunjustly.
http://www.sacredtexts.com/hin/manu/manu07.htm

1/14

2/2/2015

TheLawsofManuVII

17.Punishmentis(inreality)theking(and)themale,thatthemanagerofaffairs,thattheruler,andthat
iscalledthesuretyforthefourorders'obediencetothelaw.
18.Punishmentalonegovernsallcreatedbeings,punishmentaloneprotectsthem,punishmentwatches
overthemwhiletheysleepthewisedeclarepunishment(tobeidenticalwith)thelaw.
19.If(punishment)isproperlyinflictedafter(due)consideration,itmakesallpeoplehappybutinflicted
withoutconsideration,itdestroyseverything.
20.Ifthekingdidnot,withouttiring,inflictpunishmentonthoseworthytobepunished,thestronger
wouldroasttheweaker,likefishonaspit
21.Thecrowwouldeatthesacrificialcakeandthedogwouldlickthesacrificialviands,andownership
wouldnotremainwithanyone,theloweroneswould(usurptheplaceof)thehigherones.
22.Thewholeworldiskeptinorderbypunishment,foraguiltlessmanishardtofindthroughfearof
punishmentthewholeworldyieldstheenjoyments(whichitowes).
23.Thegods,theDanavas,theGandharvas,theRakshasas,thebirdandsnakedeitiesevengivethe
enjoyments(duefromthem)only,iftheyaretormentedby(thefearof)punishment.
24.Allcastes(varna)wouldbecorrupted(byintermixture),allbarrierswouldbebrokenthrough,andall
menwouldrage(againsteachother)inconsequenceofmistakeswithrespecttopunishment.
25.ButwherePunishmentwithablackhueandredeyesstalksabout,destroyingsinners,therethe
subjectsarenotdisturbed,providedthathewhoinflictsitdiscernswell.
26.Theydeclarethatkingtobeajustinflicterofpunishment,whoistruthful,whoactsafterdue
consideration,whoiswise,andwhoknows(therespectivevalueof)virtue,pleasure,andwealth.
27.Akingwhoproperlyinflicts(punishment),prosperswithrespectto(those)three(meansof
happiness)buthewhoisvoluptuous,partial,anddeceitfulwillbedestroyed,eventhroughthe(unjust)
punishment(whichheinflicts).
28.Punishment(possesses)averybrightlustre,andishardtobeadministeredbymenwithunimproved
mindsitstrikesdownthekingwhoswervesfromhisduty,togetherwithhisrelatives.
29.Nextitwillafflicthiscastles,histerritories,thewholeworldtogetherwiththemovableand
immovable(creation),likewisethesagesandthegods,who(onthefailureofofferings)ascendtothe
sky.
30.(Punishment)cannotbeinflictedjustlybyonewhohasnoassistant,(nor)byafool,(nor)bya
covetousman,(nor)byonewhosemindisunimproved,(nor)byoneaddictedtosensualpleasures.
31.Byhimwhoispure(and)faithfultohispromise,whoactsaccordingtotheInstitutes(ofthesacred
law),whohasgoodassistantsandiswise,punishmentcanbe(justly)inflicted.
32.Lethimactwithjusticeinhisowndomain,withrigourchastisehisenemies,behavewithout
duplicitytowardshisfriends,andbelenienttowardsBrahmanas.
33.Thefameofakingwhobehavesthus,eventhoughhesubsistbygleaning,isspreadintheworld,like
adropofoilonwater.
http://www.sacredtexts.com/hin/manu/manu07.htm

2/14

2/2/2015

TheLawsofManuVII

34.Butthefameofakingwhoactsinacontrarymannerandwhodoesnotsubduehimself,diminishesin
extentamongmenlikeadropofclarifiedbutterinwater.
35.Thekinghasbeencreated(tobe)theprotectorofthecastes(varna)andorders,who,allaccordingto
theirrank,dischargetheirseveralduties.
36.Whatevermustbedonebyhimandbyhisservantsfortheprotectionofhispeople,thatIwillfully
declaretoyouindueorder.
37.Lettheking,afterrisingearlyinthemorning,worshipBrahmanaswhoarewellversedinthe
threefoldsacredscienceandlearned(inpolity),andfollowtheiradvice.
38.LethimdailyworshipagedBrahmanaswhoknowtheVedaandarepureforhewhoalways
worshipsagedmen,ishonouredevenbyRakshasas.
39.Lethim,thoughhemayalreadybemodest,constantlylearnmodestyfromthemforakingwhois
modestneverperishes.
40.Throughawantofmodestymanykingshaveperished,togetherwiththeirbelongingsthrough
modestyevenhermitsintheforesthavegainedkingdoms.
41.ThroughawantofhumilityVenaperished,likewisekingNahusha,Sudas,thesonofPigavana,
Sumukha,andNemi.
42.ButbyhumilityPrithuandManugainedsovereignty,KuberathepositionoftheLordofwealth,and
thesonofGadhitherankofaBrahmana.
43.FromthoseversedinthethreeVedaslethimlearnthethreefold(sacredscience),theprimeval
scienceofgovernment,thescienceofdialectics,andtheknowledgeofthe(supreme)Soulfromthe
people(thetheoryof)the(various)tradesandprofessions.
44.Dayandnighthemuststrenuouslyexerthimselftoconquerhissensesforhe(alone)whohas
conqueredhisownsenses,cankeephissubjectsinobedience.
45.Lethimcarefullyshunthetenvices,springingfromloveofpleasure,andtheeight,proceedingfrom
wrath,which(all)endinmisery.
46.Forakingwhoisattachedtothevicesspringingfromloveofpleasure,loseshiswealthandhis
virtue,but(hewhoisgiven)tothosearisingfromanger,(loses)evenhislife.
47.Hunting,gambling,sleepingbyday,censoriousness,(excesswith)women,drunkenness,(an
inordinatelovefor)dancing,singing,andmusic,anduselesstravelarethetenfoldset(ofvices)springing
fromloveofpleasure.
48.Talebearing,violence,treachery,envy,slandering,(unjust)seizureofproperty,reviling,andassault
aretheeightfoldset(ofvices)producedbywrath.
49.Thatgreedinesswhichallwisemendeclaretobetherootevenofboththese(sets),lethimcarefully
conquerbothsets(ofvices)areproducedbythat.
50.Drinking,dice,women,andhunting,thesefour(whichhavebeenenumerated)insuccession,hemust
knowtobethemostperniciousinthesetthatspringsfromloveofpleasure.
http://www.sacredtexts.com/hin/manu/manu07.htm

3/14

2/2/2015

TheLawsofManuVII

51.Doingbodilyinjury,reviling,andtheseizureofproperty,thesethreehemustknowtobethemost
perniciousinthesetproducedbywrath.
52.Aselfcontrolled(king)shouldknowthatinthissetofseven,whichprevailseverywhere,each
earliernamedviceismoreabominable(thanthosenamedlater).
53.(Onacomparison)betweenviceanddeath,viceisdeclaredtobemoreperniciousaviciousman
sinkstothenethermost(hell),hewhodies,freefromvice,ascendstoheaven.
54.Lethimappointsevenoreightministerswhoseancestorshavebeenroyalservants,whoareversedin
thesciences,heroesskilledintheuseofweaponsanddescendedfrom(noble)familiesandwhohave
beentried.
55.Evenanundertakingeasy(initself)is(sometimes)hardtobeaccomplishedbyasinglemanhow
much(harderisitforaking),especially(ifhehas)noassistant,(togovern)akingdomwhichyieldsgreat
revenues.
56.Lethimdailyconsiderwiththemtheordinary(business,referringto)peaceandwar,(thefour
subjectscalled)sthana,therevenue,the(mannerof)protecting(himselfandhiskingdom),andthe
sanctificationofhisgains(bypiousgifts).
57.Having(first)ascertainedtheopinionofeach(minister)separatelyand(thentheviews)ofall
together,lethimdowhatis(most)beneficialforhiminhisaffairs.
58.Butwiththemostdistinguishedamongthemall,alearnedBrahmana,letthekingdeliberateonthe
mostimportantaffairswhichrelatetothesixmeasuresofroyalpolicy.
59.Lethim,fullofconfidence,alwaysentrusttothat(official)allbusinesshavingtakenhisfinal
resolutionwithhim,lethimafterwardsbegintoact.
60.Hemustalsoappointotherofficials,(men)ofintegrity,(whoare)wise,firm,wellabletocollect
money,andwelltried.
61.Asmanypersonsasthedueperformanceofhisbusinessrequires,somanyskilfulandclever(men),
freefromsloth,lethimappoint.
62.Amongthemlethimemploythebrave,theskilful,thehighborn,andthehonestin(officesforthe
collectionof)revenue,(e.g.)inmines,manufactures,andstorehouses,(but)thetimidintheinteriorofhis
palace.
63.Lethimalsoappointanambassadorwhoisversedinallsciences,whounderstandshints,expressions
ofthefaceandgestures,whoishonest,skilful,andof(noble)family.
64.(Such)anambassadoriscommendedtoaking(whois)loyal,honest,skilful,possessingagood
memory,whoknowsthe(proper)placeandtime(foraction,whois)handsome,fearless,andeloquent.
65.Thearmydependsontheofficial(placedinchargeofit),theduecontrol(ofthesubjects)onthe
army,thetreasuryandthe(governmentof)therealmontheking,peaceanditsopposite(war)onthe
ambassador.
66.Fortheambassadoralonemakes(kings')alliesandseparatesalliestheambassadortransactsthat
businessbywhich(kings)aredisunitedornot.
http://www.sacredtexts.com/hin/manu/manu07.htm

4/14

2/2/2015

TheLawsofManuVII

67.Withrespecttotheaffairsletthe(ambassador)exploretheexpressionofthecountenance,the
gesturesandactionsofthe(foreignking)throughthegesturesandactionsofhisconfidential(advisers),
and(discover)hisdesignsamonghisservants.
68.Havinglearntexactly(fromhisambassador)thedesignsoftheforeignking,let(theking)takesuch
measuresthathedoesnotbringevilonhimself.
69.Lethimsettleinacountrywhichisopenandhasadryclimate,wheregrainisabundant,whichis
chiefly(inhabited)byAryans,notsubjecttoepidemicdiseases(orsimilartroubles),andpleasant,where
thevassalsareobedientandhisown(peopleeasily)findtheirlivelihood.
70.Lethimbuild(there)atown,makingforhissafetyafortress,protectedbyadesert,orafortressbuilt
of(stoneand)earth,oroneprotectedbywaterortrees,orone(formedbyanencampmentofarmed)men
orahillfort.
71.Lethimmakeeveryefforttosecureahillfort,foramongstallthose(fortressesmentioned)ahillfort
isdistinguishedbymanysuperiorqualities.
72.Thefirstthreeofthose(variouskindsoffortresses)areinhabitedbywildbeasts,animalslivingin
holesandaquaticanimals,thelastthreebymonkeys,men,andgodsrespectively.
73.Asenemiesdonothurtthese(beings,whentheyare)shelteredby(their)fortresses,evensofoes
(can)notinjureakingwhohastakenrefugeinhisfort.
74.Onebowman,placedonarampart,isamatchinbattleforonehundred(foes),onehundredforten
thousandhenceitisprescribed(intheSastrasthatakingwillposses)afortress.
75.Letthat(fort)bewellsuppliedwithweapons,money,grainandbeastsofburden,withBrahmanas,
withartisans,withengines,withfodder,andwithwater.
76.Lethimcausetobebuiltforhimself,inthecentreofit,aspaciouspalace,(well)protected,habitable
ineveryseason,resplendent(withwhitewash),suppliedwithwaterandtrees.
77.Inhabitingthat,lethimwedaconsortofequalcaste(varna),whopossessesauspiciousmarks(onher
body),andisborninagreatfamily,whoischarmingandpossessesbeautyandexcellentqualities.
78.Lethimappointadomesticpriest(purohita)andchooseofficiatingpriests(ritvig)theyshallperform
hisdomesticritesandthe(sacrifices)forwhichthreefiresarerequired.
79.Akingshalloffervarious(Srauta)sacrificesatwhichliberalfees(aredistributed),andinorderto
acquiremerit,heshallgivetoBrahmanasenjoymentsandwealth.
80.Lethimcausetheannualrevenueinhiskingdomtobecollectedbytrusty(officials),lethimobeythe
sacredlawin(histransactionswith)thepeople,andbehavelikeafathertowardsallmen.
81.Forthevarious(branchesofbusiness)lethimappointintelligentsupervisorstheyshallinspectall
(theacts)ofthosemenwhotransacthisbusiness.
82.LethimhonourthoseBrahmanaswhohavereturnedfromtheirteacher'shouse(afterstudyingthe
Veda)forthat(moneywhichisgiven)toBrahmanasisdeclaredtobeanimperishabletreasureforkings.
83.Neitherthievesnorfoescantakeit,norcanitbelosthenceanimperishablestoremustbedeposited
http://www.sacredtexts.com/hin/manu/manu07.htm

5/14

2/2/2015

TheLawsofManuVII

bykingswithBrahmanas.
84.TheofferingmadethroughthemouthofaBrahmana,whichisneitherspilt,norfalls(ontheground),
noreverperishes,isfarmoreexcellentthanAgnihotras.
85.AgifttoonewhoisnotaBrahmana(yields)theordinary(rewardagift)toonewhocallshimselfa
Brahmana,adouble(reward)agifttoawellreadBrahmana,ahundredthousandfold(reward)(agift)
toonewhoknowstheVedaandtheAngas(Vedaparaga,areward)withoutend.
86.Foraccordingtotheparticularqualitiesoftherecipientandaccordingtothefaith(ofthegiver)a
smalloragreatrewardwillbeobtainedforagiftinthenextworld.
87.Akingwho,whileheprotectshispeople,isdefiedby(foes),betheyequalinstrength,orstronger,or
weaker,mustnotshrinkfrombattle,rememberingthedutyofKshatriyas.
88.Nottoturnbackinbattle,toprotectthepeople,tohonourtheBrahmanas,isthebestmeansforaking
tosecurehappiness.
89.Thosekingswho,seekingtoslayeachotherinbattle,fightwiththeutmostexertionanddonotturn
back,gotoheaven.
90.Whenhefightswithhisfoesinbattle,lethimnotstrikewithweaponsconcealed(inwood),norwith
(suchasare)barbed,poisoned,orthepointsofwhichareblazingwithfire.
91.Lethimnotstrikeonewho(inflight)hasclimbedonaneminence,noraeunuch,noronewhojoins
thepalmsofhishands(insupplication),noronewho(flees)withflyinghair,noronewhositsdown,nor
onewhosays'Iamthine'
92.Noronewhosleeps,noronewhohaslosthiscoatofmail,noronewhoisnaked,noronewhois
disarmed,noronewholooksonwithouttakingpartinthefight,noronewhoisfightingwithanother
(foe)
93.Noronewhoseweaponsarebroken,noroneafflicted(withsorrow),noronewhohasbeen
grievouslywounded,noronewhoisinfear,noronewhohasturnedtoflight(butinallthesecaseslet
him)remembertheduty(ofhonourablewarriors).
94.Butthe(Kshatriya)whoisslaininbattle,whileheturnsbackinfear,takesuponhimselfallthesinof
hismaster,whatever(itmaybe)
95.Andwhatevermerit(aman)whoisslaininflightmayhavegainedforthenext(world),allthathis
mastertakes.
96.Chariotsandhorses,elephants,parasols,money,grain,cattle,women,allsortsof(marketable)goods
andvaluelessmetalsbelongtohimwhotakesthem(singly)conquering(thepossessor).
97.AtextoftheVeda(declares)that(thesoldiers)shallpresentachoiceportion(ofthebooty)tothe
kingwhathasnotbeentakensingly,mustbedistributedbythekingamongallthesoldiers.
98.Thushasbeendeclaredtheblameless,primevallawforwarriorsfromthislawaKshatriyamustnot
depart,whenhestrikeshisfoesinbattle.
99.Lethimstrivetogainwhathehasnotyetgainedwhathehasgainedlethimcarefullypreservelet
http://www.sacredtexts.com/hin/manu/manu07.htm

6/14

2/2/2015

TheLawsofManuVII

himaugmentwhathepreserves,andwhathehasaugmentedlethimbestowonworthymen.
100.Lethimknowthatthesearethefourmeansforsecuringtheaimsofhuman(existence)lethim,
withoutevertiring,properlyemploythem.
101.Whathehasnot(yet)gained,lethimseek(togain)by(his)armywhathehasgained,lethim
protectbycarefulattentionwhathehasprotected,lethimaugmentby(variousmodesof)increasingit
andwhathehasaugmented,lethimliberallybestow(onworthymen).
102.Lethimbeeverreadytostrike,hisprowessconstantlydisplayed,andhissecretsconstantly
concealed,andlethimconstantlyexploretheweaknessesofhisfoe.
103.Ofhimwhoisalwaysreadytostrike,thewholeworldstandsinawelethimthereforemakeall
creaturessubjecttohimselfevenbytheemploymentofforce.
104.Lethimeveractwithoutguile,andonnoaccounttreacherouslycarefullyguardinghimself,lethim
alwaysfathomthetreacherywhichhisfoesemploy.
105.Hisenemymustnotknowhisweaknesses,buthemustknowtheweaknessesofhisenemyasthe
tortoise(hidesitslimbs),evensolethimsecurethemembers(ofhisgovernmentagainsttreachery),let
himprotecthisownweakpoints.
106.Lethimplanhisundertakings(patientlymeditating)likeaheronlikealion,lethimputforthhis
strengthlikeawolf,lethimsnatch(hisprey)likeahare,lethimdoubleinretreat.
107.Whenheisthusengagedinconquest,lethimsubduealltheopponentswhomhemayfind,bythe
(four)expedients,conciliationandtherest.
108.Iftheycannotbestoppedbythethreefirstexpedients,thenlethim,overcomingthembyforce
alone,graduallybringthemtosubjection.
109.Amongthefourexpedients,conciliationandtherest,thelearnedalwaysrecommendconciliation
and(theemploymentof)forcefortheprosperityofkingdoms.
110.Astheweederplucksuptheweedsandpreservesthecorn,evensoletthekingprotecthiskingdom
anddestroyhisopponents.
111.Thatkingwhothroughfollyrashlyoppresseshiskingdom,(will),togetherwithhisrelatives,ere
longbedeprivedofhislifeandofhiskingdom.
112.Asthelivesoflivingcreaturesaredestroyedbytormentingtheirbodies,evensothelivesofkings
aredestroyedbytheiroppressingtheirkingdoms.
113.Ingoverninghiskingdomlethimalwaysobservethe(following)rulesforakingwhogovernshis
kingdomwell,easilyprospers.
114.Lethimplaceacompanyofsoldiers,commanded(byatrustyofficer),themidstoftwo,three,five
orhundredsofvillages,(tobe)aprotectionofthekingdom.
115.Lethimappointalordover(each)village,aswellaslordsoftenvillages,lordsoftwenty,lordsofa
hundred,andlordsofathousand.
http://www.sacredtexts.com/hin/manu/manu07.htm

7/14

2/2/2015

TheLawsofManuVII

116.Thelordofonevillagehimselfshallinformthelordoftenvillagesofthecrimescommittedinhis
village,andtheruleroften(shallmakehisreport)totheruleroftwenty.
117.Buttheruleroftwentyshallreportallsuch(matters)tothelordofahundred,andthelordofa
hundredshallhimselfgiveinformationtothelordofathousand.
118.Those(articles)whichthevillagersoughttofurnishdailytotheking,suchasfood,drink,andfuel,
thelordofonevillageshallobtain.
119.Theruleroften(villages)shallenjoyonekula(asmuchlandassufficesforonefamily),therulerof
twentyfivekulas,thesuperintendentofahundredvillages(therevenuesof)onevillage,thelordofa
thousand(therevenuesof)atown.
120.Theaffairsofthese(officials),whichareconnectedwith(their)villagesandtheirseparatebusiness,
anotherministerofthekingshallinspect,(whomustbe)loyalandneverremiss
121.Andineachtownlethimappointonesuperintendentofallaffairs,elevatedinrank,formidable,
(resembling)aplanetamongthestars.
122.Letthat(man)alwayspersonallyvisitbyturnsallthose(otherofficials)lethimproperlyexplore
theirbehaviourintheirdistrictsthroughspies(appointedto)each.
123.Fortheservantsoftheking,whoareappointedtoprotect(thepeople),generallybecomeknaves
whoseizethepropertyofotherslethimprotecthissubjectsagainstsuch(men).
124.Letthekingconfiscatethewholepropertyofthose(officials)who,evilminded,maytakemoney
fromsuitors,andbanishthem.
125.Forwomenemployedintheroyalserviceandformenialservants,lethimfixadailymaintenance,
inproportiontotheirpositionandtotheirwork.
126.Onepanamustbegiven(daily)aswagestothelowest,sixtothehighest,likewiseclothingevery
sixmonthsandonedronaofgraineverymonth.
127.Havingwellconsidered(theratesof)purchaseand(of)sale,(thelengthof)theroad,(theexpense
for)foodandcondiments,thechargesofsecuringthegoods,letthekingmakethetraderspayduty.
128.After(due)considerationthekingshallalwaysfixinhisrealmthedutiesandtaxesinsuchamanner
thatbothhehimselfandthemanwhodoestheworkreceive(theirdue)reward.
129.Astheleech,thecalf,andthebeetaketheirfoodlittlebylittle,evensomustthekingdrawfromhis
realmmoderateannualtaxes.
130.Afiftiethpartof(theincrementson)cattleandgoldmaybetakenbytheking,andtheeighth,sixth,
ortwelfthpartofthecrops.
131.Hemayalsotakethesixthpartoftrees,meat,honey,clarifiedbutter,perfumes,(medical)herbs,
substancesusedforflavouringfood,flowers,roots,andfruit
132.Ofleaves,potherbs,grass,(objects)madeofcane,skins,ofearthenvessels,andall(articles)made
ofstone.
http://www.sacredtexts.com/hin/manu/manu07.htm

8/14

2/2/2015

TheLawsofManuVII

133.Thoughdying(withwant),akingmustnotlevyataxonSrotriyas,andnoSrotriya,residinginhis
kingdom,mustperishfromhunger.
134.Thekingdomofthatking,inwhosedominionsaSrotriyapineswithhunger,willeven,erelong,be
afflictedbyfamine.
135.HavingascertainedhislearningintheVedaand(thepurityof)hisconduct,thekingshallprovide
forhimmeansofsubsistenceinaccordancewiththesacredlaw,andshallprotecthimineveryway,asa
father(protects)thelawfulsonofhisbody.
136.Whatevermeritoriousacts(suchaBrahmana)performsunderthefullprotectionoftheking,thereby
theking'slengthoflife,wealth,andkingdomincrease.
137.Letthekingmakethecommoninhabitantsofhisrealmwholivebytraffic,payannuallysometrifle,
whichiscalledatax.
138.Mechanicsandartisans,aswellasSudraswhosubsistbymanuallabour,hemaycausetowork(for
himself)one(day)ineachmonth.
139.Lethimnotcutuphisownroot(bylevyingnotaxes),northerootofother(men)byexcessive
greedforbycuttinguphisownroot(ortheirs),hemakeshimselforthemwretched.
140.Lettheking,havingcarefullyconsidered(each)affair,bebothsharpandgentleforakingwhois
bothsharpandgentleishighlyrespected.
141.Whenheistiredwiththeinspectionofthebusinessofmen,lethimplaceonthatseat(ofjustice)his
chiefminister,(whomustbe)acquaintedwiththelaw,wise,selfcontrolled,anddescendedfroma
(noble)family.
142.Havingthusarrangedalltheaffairs(of)his(government),heshallzealouslyandcarefullyprotect
hissubjects.
143.That(monarch)whosesubjectsarecarriedoffbyrobbers(Dasyu)fromhiskingdom,whilethey
loudlycall(forhelp),andheandhisservantsare(quietly)lookingon,isadeadandnotaliving(king).
144.ThehighestdutyofaKshatriyaistoprotecthissubjects,forthekingwhoenjoystherewards,just
mentioned,isboundto(dischargethat)duty.
145.Havingriseninthelastwatchofthenight,havingperformed(theriteof)personalpurification,
having,withacollectedmind,offeredoblationsinthefire,andhavingworshippedBrahmanas,heshall
enterthehallofaudiencewhichmustpossessthemarks(considered)auspicious(foradwelling).
146.Tarryingthere,heshallgratifyallsubjects(whocometoseehimbyakindreception)and
afterwardsdismissthemhavingdismissedhissubjects,heshalltakecounselwithhisministers.
147.Ascendingthebackofahilloraterrace,(and)retiring(there)inalonelyplace,orinasolitary
forest,lethimconsultwiththemunobserved.
148.Thatkingwhosesecretplansotherpeople,(though)assembled(forthepurpose),donotdiscover,
(will)enjoythewholeearth,thoughhebepoorintreasure.
149.Atthetimeofconsultationlethimcausetoberemovedidiots,thedumb,theblind,andthedeaf,
http://www.sacredtexts.com/hin/manu/manu07.htm

9/14

2/2/2015

TheLawsofManuVII

animals,veryagedmen,women,barbarians,thesick,andthosedeficientinlimbs.
150.(Such)despicable(persons),likewiseanimals,andparticularlywomenbetraysecretcouncilforthat
reasonhemustbecarefulwithrespecttothem.
151.Atmiddayoratmidnight,whenhismentalandbodilyfatiguesareover,lethimdeliberate,either
withhimselfaloneorwithhis(ministers),onvirtue,pleasure,andwealth,
152.On(reconciling)theattainmentofthese(aims)whichareopposedtoeachother,onbestowinghis
daughtersinmarriage,andonkeepinghissons(fromharm),
153.Onsendingambassadors,onthecompletionofundertakings(alreadybegun),onthebehaviourof
(thewomenin)hisharem,andonthedoingsofhisspies.
154.Onthewholeeightfoldbusinessandthefiveclasses(ofspies),onthegoodwillorenmityandthe
conductofthecircle(ofneighbourshemust)carefully(reflect).
155.Ontheconductofthemiddlemost(prince),onthedoingsofhimwhoseeksconquest,onthe
behaviouroftheneutral(king),and(onthat)ofthefoe(lethim)sedulously(meditate).
156.These(four)constituents(prakriti,form),briefly(speaking),thefoundationofthecircle(of
neighbours)besides,eightothersareenumerated(intheInstitutesofPolity)and(thus)the(total)is
declaredtobetwelve.
157.Theminister,thekingdom,thefortress,thetreasury,andthearmyarefiveother(constituent
elementsofthecircle)for,thesearementionedinconnexionwitheach(ofthefirsttwelvethusthe
wholecircleconsists),briefly(speaking,of)seventytwo(constituentparts).
158.Let(theking)considerashostilehisimmediateneighbourandthepartisanof(sucha)foe,as
friendlytheimmediateneighbourofhisfoe,andasneutral(theking)beyondthosetwo.
159.Lethimovercomeallofthembymeansofthe(four)expedients,conciliationandtherest,
(employed)eithersinglyorconjointly,(or)bybraveryandpolicy(alone).
160.Lethimconstantlythinkofthesixmeasuresofroyalpolicy(guna,viz.)alliance,war,marching,
halting,dividingthearmy,andseekingprotection.
161.Havingcarefullyconsideredthebusiness(inhand),lethimresorttosittingquietormarching,
allianceorwar,dividinghisforcesorseekingprotection(asthecasemayrequire).
162.Butthekingmustknowthattherearetwokindsofalliancesandofwars,(likewisetwo)ofboth
marchingandsittingquiet,andtwo(occasionsfor)seekingprotection.)
163.Analliancewhichyieldspresentandfutureadvantages,onemustknowtobeoftwodescriptions,
(viz.)thatwhenonemarchestogether(withanally)andthecontrary(whenthealliesactseparately).
164.Warisdeclaredtobeoftwokinds,(viz.)thatwhichisundertakeninseasonoroutofseason,by
oneselfandforone'sownpurposes,and(thatwagedtoavenge)aninjurydonetoafriend.
165.Marching(toattack)issaidtobetwofold,(viz.thatundertaken)byonealonewhenanurgentmatter
hassuddenlyarisen,and(thatundertaken)byonealliedwithafriend.
http://www.sacredtexts.com/hin/manu/manu07.htm

10/14

2/2/2015

TheLawsofManuVII

166.Sittingquietisstatedtobeoftwokinds,(viz.thatincumbent)ononewhohasgraduallybeen
weakenedbyfateorinconsequenceofformeracts,and(that)infavourofafriend.
167.Ifthearmystops(inoneplace)anditsmaster(inanother)inordertoeffectsomepurpose,thatis
calledbythoseacquaintedwiththevirtuesofthemeasuresofroyalpolicy,thetwofolddivisionofthe
forces.
168.Seekingrefugeisdeclaredtobeoftwokinds,(first)forthepurposeofattaininganadvantagewhen
oneisharassedbyenemies,(secondly)inordertobecomeknownamongthevirtuous(astheprotegeofa
powerfulking).
169.When(theking)knows(that)atsomefuturetimehissuperiority(is)certain,and(that)atthetime
present(hewillsuffer)littleinjury,thenlethimhaverecoursetopeacefulmeasures.
170.Butwhenhethinksallhissubjectstobeexceedinglycontented,and(thathe)himself(is)most
exalted(inpower),thenlethimmakewar.
171.Whenheknowshisownarmytobecheerfulindispositionandstrong,and(that)ofhisenemythe
reverse,thenlethimmarchagainsthisfoe.
172.Butifheisveryweakinchariotsandbeastsofburdenandintroops,thenlethimcarefullysitquiet,
graduallyconciliatinghisfoes.
173.Whenthekingknowstheenemytobestrongerineveryrespect,thenlethimdividehisarmyand
thusachievehispurpose.
174.Butwhenheisveryeasilyassailablebytheforcesoftheenemy,thenlethimquicklyseekrefuge
witharighteous,powerfulking.
175.That(prince)whowillcoercebothhis(disloyal)subjectsandthearmyofthefoe,lethimeverserve
witheveryeffortlikeaGuru.
176.When,eveninthat(condition),hesees(that)eviliscausedby(such)protection,lethimwithout
hesitationhaverecoursetowar.
177.Byall(thefour)expedientsapoliticprincemustarrange(mattersso)thatneitherfriends,nor
neutrals,norfoesaresuperiortohimself.
178.Lethimfullyconsiderthefutureandtheimmediateresultsofallundertakings,andthegoodand
badsidesofallpast(actions).
179.Hewhoknowsthegoodandtheevil(whichwillresultfromhisacts)inthefuture,isquickin
formingresolutionsforthepresent,andunderstandstheconsequencesofpast(actions),willnotbe
conquered.
180.Lethimarrangeeverythinginsuchamannerthatnoally,noneutralorfoemayinjurehimthatis
thesumofpoliticalwisdom.
181.Butifthekingundertakesanexpeditionagainstahostilekingdom,thenlethimgraduallyadvance,
inthefollowingmanner,againsthisfoe'scapital.
182.LetthekingundertakehismarchinthefinemonthMargasirsha,ortowardsthemonthsofPhalguna
http://www.sacredtexts.com/hin/manu/manu07.htm

11/14

2/2/2015

TheLawsofManuVII

andKaitra,accordingtothe(conditionofhis)army.
183.Evenatothertimes,whenhehasacertainprospectofvictory,orwhenadisasterhasbefallenhis
foe,hemayadvancetoattackhim.
184.Buthavingdulyarranged(allaffairs)inhisoriginal(kingdom)andwhatrelatestotheexpedition,
havingsecuredabasis(forhisoperations)andhavingdulydispatchedhisspies
185.Havingclearedthethreekindsofroads,and(havingmade)hissixfoldarmy(efficient),lethim
leisurelyproceedinthemannerprescribedforwarfareagainsttheenemy'scapital.
186.Lethimbeverymuchonhisguardagainstafriendwhosecretlyservestheenemyandagainst
(deserters)whoreturn(fromtheenemy'scamp)forsuch(menare)themostdangerousfoes.
187.Lethimmarchonhisroad,arraying(histroops)likeastaff(i.e.inanoblong),orlikeawaggon(i.e.
inawedge),orlikeaboar(i.e.inarhombus),orlikeaMakara(i.e.intwotriangles,withtheapices
joined),orlikeapin(i.e.inalongline),orlikeaGaruda(i.e.inarhomboidwithfarextendedwings).
188.Fromwhatever(side)heapprehendsdanger,inthat(direction)lethimextendhistroops,andlethim
alwayshimselfencampinanarray,shapedlikealotus.
189.Lethimallottothecommanderinchief,tothe(subordinate)general,(andtothesuperiorofficers)
placesinalldirections,andlethimturnhisfrontinthatdirectionwhencehefearsdanger.
190.Onallsideslethimplacetroopsofsoldiers,onwhomhecanrely,withwhomsignalshavebeen
arranged,whoareexpertbothinsustainingachargeandincharging,fearlessandloyal.
191.Lethimmakeasmallnumberofsoldiersfightincloseorder,athispleasurelethimextendalarge
numberinlooseranksorlethimmakethemfight,arranging(asmallnumber)intheneedlearray,(anda
largenumber)inthethunderboltarray.
192.Onevengroundlethimfightwithchariotsandhorses,inwaterboundplaceswithboatsand
elephants,on(ground)coveredwithtreesandshrubswithbows,onhillygroundwithswords,targets,
(andother)weapons.
193.(Menbornin)Kurukshetra,Matsyas,Pankalas,andthoseborninSurasena,lethimcausetofightin
thevanofthebattle,aswellas(otherswhoare)tallandlight.
194.Afterarranginghistroops,heshouldencouragethem(byanaddress)andcarefullyinspectthemhe
shouldalsomarkthebehaviour(ofthesoldiers)whentheyengagetheenemy.
195.Whenhehasshutuphisfoe(inatown),lethimsitencamped,harasshiskingdom,andcontinually
spoilhisgrass,food,fuel,andwater.
196.Likewiselethimdestroythetanks,ramparts,andditches,andlethimassailthe(foeunawares)and
alarmhimatnight.
197.Lethiminstigatetorebellionthosewhoareopentosuchinstigations,lethimbeinformedofhis
(foe's)doings,and,whenfateispropitious,lethimfightwithoutfear,tryingtoconquer.
198.Heshould(however)trytoconquerhisfoesbyconciliation,by(wellapplied)gifts,andbycreating
dissension,usedeitherseparatelyorconjointly,neverbyfighting,(ifitcanbeavoided.)
http://www.sacredtexts.com/hin/manu/manu07.htm

12/14

2/2/2015

TheLawsofManuVII

199.Forwhentwo(princes)fight,victoryanddefeatinthebattleare,asexperienceteaches,uncertain
lethimthereforeavoidanengagement.
200.(But)ifeventhosethreebeforementionedexpedientsfail,thenlethim,dulyexertinghimself,fight
insuchamannerthathemaycompletelyconquerhisenemies.
201.Whenhehasgainedvictory,lethimdulyworshipthegodsandhonourrighteousBrahmanas,let
himgrantexemptions,andlethimcausepromisesofsafetytobeproclaimed.
202.Buthavingfullyascertainedthewishesofallthe(conquered),lethimplacetherearelativeofthe
(vanquishedruleronthethrone),andlethimimposehisconditions.
203.Lethimmakeauthoritativethelawful(customs)ofthe(inhabitants),justastheyarestated(tobe),
andlethimhonourthe(newking)andhischiefservantswithpreciousgifts.
204.Theseizureofdesirablepropertywhichcausesdispleasure,anditsdistributionwhichcauses
pleasure,arebothrecommendable,(iftheyare)resortedtoatthepropertime.
205.Allundertakings(in)this(world)dependbothontheorderingoffateandonhumanexertionbut
amongthesetwo(thewaysof)fateareunfathomableinthecaseofman'sworkactionispossible.
206.Or(theking,bentonconquest),consideringafriend,gold,andland(tobe)thetripleresult(ofan
expedition),may,usingdiligentcare,makepeacewith(hisfoe)andreturn(tohisrealm).
207.Havingpaiddueattentiontoanykinginthecircle(ofneighbouringstates)whomightattackhimin
therear,andtohissupporterwhoopposesthelatter,let(theconqueror)securethefruitoftheexpedition
from(theprincewhomheattacks),whether(hemayhavebecome)friendlyor(remained)hostile.
208.Bygaininggoldandlandakinggrowsnotsomuchinstrengthasbyobtainingafirmfriend,(who),
thoughweak,(maybecome)powerfulinthefuture.
209.Aweakfriend(even)isgreatlycommended,whoisrighteous(and)grateful,whosepeopleare
contented,whoisattachedandperseveringinhisundertakings.
210.Thewisedeclarehim(tobe)amostdangerousfoe,whoiswise,ofnoblerace,brave,clever,liberal,
grateful,andfirm.
211.BehaviourworthyofanAryan,knowledgeofmen,bravery,acompassionatedisposition,andgreat
liberalityarethevirtuesofaneutral(whomaybecourted).
212.Lettheking,withouthesitation,quitforhisownsakeevenacountry(whichis)salubrious,fertile,
andcausinganincreaseofcattle.
213.Fortimesofneedlethimpreservehiswealthattheexpenseofhiswealthlethimpreservehiswife
lethimatalleventspreservehimselfevenby(givingup)hiswifeandhiswealth.
214.Awise(king),seeingthatallkindsofmisfortunesviolentlyassailhimatthesametime,shouldtry
all(thefour)expedients,beittogetherorseparately,(inordertosavehimself.)
215.Onthepersonwhoemploystheexpedients,onthebusinesstobeaccomplished,andonallthe
expedientscollectively,onthesethreelethimponderandstrivetoaccomplishhisends.
http://www.sacredtexts.com/hin/manu/manu07.htm

13/14

2/2/2015

TheLawsofManuVII

216.Havingthusconsultedwithhisministersonallthese(matters),havingtakenexercise,andhaving
bathedafterwards,thekingmayentertheharematmiddayinordertodine.
217.Therehemayeatfood,(whichhasbeenprepared)byfaithful,incorruptible(servants)whoknowthe
(proper)time(fordining),whichhasbeenwellexamined(andhallowed)bysacredtextsthatdestroy
poison.
218.Lethimmixallhisfoodwithmedicines(thatare)antidotesagainstpoison,andlethimalwaysbe
carefultoweargemswhichdestroypoison.
219.Welltriedfemaleswhosetoiletandornamentshavebeenexamined,shallattentivelyservehimwith
fans,water,andperfumes.
220.Inlikemannerlethimbecarefulabouthiscarriages,bed,seat,bath,toilet,andallhisornaments.
221.Whenhehasdined,hemaydiverthimselfwithhiswivesintheharembutwhenhehasdiverted
himself,hemust,induetime,againthinkoftheaffairsofstate.
222.Adorned(withhisrobesofstate),lethimagaininspecthisfightingmen,allhischariotsandbeasts
ofburden,theweaponsandaccoutrements.
223.Havingperformedhistwilightdevotions,lethim,wellarmed,hearinaninnerapartmentthedoings
ofthosewhomakesecretreportsandofhisspies.
224.Butgoingtoanothersecretapartmentanddismissingthosepeople,hemayentertheharem,
surroundedbyfemale(servants),inordertodineagain.
225.Havingeatentheresomethingforthesecondtime,andhavingbeenrecreatedbythesoundofmusic,
lethimgotorestandriseatthepropertimefreefromfatigue.
226.Akingwhoisingoodhealthmustobservetheserulesbut,ifheisindisposed,hemayentrustall
this(business)tohisservants.

http://www.sacredtexts.com/hin/manu/manu07.htm

14/14