ARTHASHASTRA PART-3 THE KING

• Written by: Kautilya

• Presented by: Shujah Tariq
 INTRODUCTION

• Part 3 of the Kautilya, Arthashastra, titled "The King," delves into the essential qualities,
responsibilities, and duties of a ruler. It serves as a comprehensive guide for kings or rulers,
outlining the principles and strategies they should employ to ensure effective governance and the
prosperity of their kingdom.
• Is this particular section Kautilya elaborates and states some qualities that are necessary in a
King. According to him a King must be strong and capable, someone who works for the welfare
of his people and values them above himself. He puts emphasis on the importance of moral
integrity, intelligence and a deep understanding of political affairs.
• Kautilya also discusses various aspects of statecraft that a king must be well-versed in. These
include matters such as diplomacy, war, taxation, administration, justice, and public welfare.
• Over all the part 3 of Arthashastra , ‘The king’, provides valuable insight into the qualities and
responsibilities of a ruler and the strategies a ruler should adopt to govern successfully and
effectively.
• It remains a significant work in the field of political science and continues to be studied and used
as reference for the better understanding towards the art of governance and leadership
 THE TRAINING OF A FUTURE KING,
THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF DISCIPLINE

• Discipline can be of two types: inborn and acquired. Inborn discipline is necessary for
individuals to benefit from instruction and training, while those lacking natural self-discipline do
not benefit. The acquisition of discipline is essential for someone aspiring to be a king, who
should learn the sciences from authoritative teachers and strictly follow discipline in life.
• Through discipline the rule of law is ensured which ensures the security and welfare of the
people.
• The development of philosophy, the three Vedas, and economics relies on the science of
government, as a just administration is necessary for the pursuit of learning and avocations.
 THE TRAINING OF A PRINCE

• A prince, destined to be the future king of a kingdom has much responsibilities and so he has to learn
things quicker like he should begin his education early, learning the alphabet and arithmetic , after his
third year. Later during the thread ceremony he should study philosophy, the three Vedas, economics, and
the science of government from authoritative teachers and experienced politicians.
• Until the age of sixteen, the prince should remain a celibate student. Afterward, he should get married.
• The prince's education continues even after reaching adulthood. He should always associate with learned
elders to enhance his self-discipline. His daily training program includes martial arts practice in the first
part of the day, listening to Itihasas (The ancient history) and seek clarification in the remaining part of
the day and night.
• The development of intellect through learning leads to efficiency in acquiring knowledge, self-
possession, and successful application. A wise and disciplined king, devoted to just governance and the
welfare of all beings, will enjoy unopposed rule over the earth.
 (III)(2) SELF CONTROL

• The primary purpose of all branches of knowledge is to cultivate restraint and self-control over
the senses.
• Self-control is the foundation of knowledge and discipline and is attained by giving up lust,
anger, greed, conceit, arrogance, and foolhardiness. Living in accordance with the shastras
involves avoiding excessive indulgence in sensory pleasures.
• A king who lacks self-control and indulges excessively in pleasures is bound to perish, even if
they rule over vast territories.
• Examples of kings who succumbed to the vices mentioned above are given, including instances
of lust, anger, greed, conceit, arrogance, and foolhardiness leading to their downfall. Conversely,
kings who conquered their senses, such as Jamadagnya and Ambarisha, enjoyed long and
prosperous reigns on earth.
 THE DUTIES OF A KING

• The energy and diligence of a king reflect in the energy and diligence of his subjects. A lazy king will
lead to laxity among the people, causing a decline in wealth and making the king vulnerable to enemies.
• The king should maintain a strict schedule, dividing the day and night into specific periods to carry out
his duties, including receiving reports, public audiences, revenue collection, administration,
consultations, and rest.
• The king should make himself accessible to the people and attend to urgent matters promptly.
Inaccessibility leads to wrong decisions, angering the people and risking their allegiance.
• The king's priorities in attending to people's matters should follow a specific order, including gods,
hermits, Brahmins, sacred entities, minors, the aged, the sick, the handicapped, the helpless, and women.
The king's vow is readiness for action, his duty is the satisfactory performance of his responsibilities,
impartiality is the reward he offers, and his coronation is his initiation into a lifelong vocation.
 THE KING’S SECURITY

• The king's royal residence should be built on a recommended site by building experts,
surrounded by ramparts, a moat, and guarded gates. The complex should have multiple halls for
different purposes.
• The king's chambers can be built in the center of the complex with emergency exits. Various
models can be adopted, such as a protected treasury, a labyrinth with concealed passages, an
underground chamber connected to a shrine, or an upper storey with hidden emergency exits.
The construction should prioritize safeguarding against attacks by palace intimates.
• Outside the palace, measures should be taken to protect the residential quarters against snakes
and poisons. This includes planting snake-deterrent plants, raising snake-killers like peacocks
and mongooses, and rearing birds that can detect the presence of poison.
• A hall should be designated for the education of princes within the palace complex. Palace
guards are to be stationed in the spaces between buildings to ensure security.
• Movement within the residential complex should be restricted, with individuals living in their
assigned quarters and not mingling with outsiders. Objects entering or leaving the palace
complex must be examined, recorded, and sealed before reaching their destination.
• The king's personal security is emphasized. Female archers guard him while he sleeps, and upon
waking, he is received by eunuchs, dwarfs, ministers, and kinsmen in different chambers. Only
individuals with proven loyalty and close relationships should be employed as royal guards.
 PROTECTION FROM QUEENS AND PRINCES
• The king's personal safety is closely linked to the protection of his kingdom, particularly from
those close to him, such as his wives and children. Historical examples are given of kings being
murdered by their own family members, emphasizing the need for caution.
• Measures are suggested to ensure the safety of the king when visiting the queen's apartment,
including the presence of trusted maidservants and restrictions on the queen's interactions with
certain individuals. Supervisors, such as elderly men or women, are appointed to ascertain the
integrity of the queen's attendants.
• Different opinions are presented regarding the treatment of princes. Some suggest strict control or
even elimination due to the perceived threat they pose, while others advocate for nurturing and
proper training. Kautilya emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach, ensuring the prince's
education in true virtues and protecting their innocent minds from harmful influences. Secret agents
are mentioned as a means of both guarding the prince and dissuading them from harmful actions.
 PUNISHMENTS
• Offenses against the king and royal property carry severe punishments. Riding a royal chariot,
horse, or elephant without authorization may result in the cutting off of a hand or a fine of 700
panas.
• Actions such as reviling the king, spreading false rumors about the king, stealing or killing a
royal elephant or horse, stealing a royal chariot, or having sexual intercourse with the queen are
met with harsh penalties, including having the tongue pulled out, death by impaling, or being
boiled alive.
 REVOLTS, REBELLIONS, CONSPIRACIES AND
TREASON
• Treason, treachery, revolt, and rebellion were constant threats to the king and the state. Anyone close to
the king, including queens, princes, ministers, and the Chief of Defence, could become treacherous. The
people of the countryside, frontier commanders, tribal chiefs, and vassal kings were also potential
traitors. The absence of the king during military campaigns provided opportunities for traitors to act.
• Discontent among the population was a significant cause of rebellion. The king is advised to anticipate
and prevent worsening discontent among the people, as impoverishment can lead to greed and rebellion.
• Palace coups are addressed separately, with the possibility of rebellions arising within the kingdom or in
remote regions. The instigation and abetting of internal treachery by enemy kings are also discussed.
The king is cautioned to be on guard against enemy-induced treachery while considering similar tactics
against the enemy's people. The use of secret punishment is recommended against traitors, but with
consideration for long-term consequences.
ANTICIPATING AND AVOIDING DISCONTENT
• Spies disguised as ascetics are tasked with identifying who among the king's subjects are happy
and discontented. This includes those dependent on the king for resources, those who assist the
king in various situations, those who help restrain anger within the kingdom, and those who
defend against enemies and forest chiefs.
• The contented individuals should be rewarded with additional honors and wealth to show
appreciation.
• For the discontented individuals, conciliation should be attempted initially. If they remain
unhappy, they can be assigned to collect taxes and fines, intentionally facing public anger. If the
discontent persists, they can be eliminated through inciting a popular revolt or through secret
punishment. Alternatively, they may be sent to work in controlled environments like mines or
factories while keeping their families under close security.
• It is important to prevent the discontented individuals from uniting with neighboring princes,
jungle chiefs, ambitious relatives, or disgruntled princes. If such a threat arises, sowing
dissension among them is advised as a strategy.
 DISAFFECTION AMONG SUBJECTS

• - When a people are impoverished, they become greedy, and when they are greedy, they become
disaffected. This disaffection can lead them to either join the enemy or even attempt to kill their ruler.
• - Impoverishment, greed, and disaffection among the subjects are caused by various actions of the king,
such as favoring the wicked over the good, neglecting righteous practices, suppressing justice, and
failing to fulfill obligations and protect the people.
• - The consequences of disaffection among the subjects include a fear of extortion and property
destruction, a preference for immediate peace, war, or emigration, and the susceptibility of greedy
individuals to enemy instigations. Remedies include addressing impoverishment through immediate
measures, satisfying the greedy few, and suppressing disaffected leaders to govern the people more
effectively and counter enemy influences.
 REVOLTS AND REBELLIONS

• 1. Impoverishment leads to greed and disaffection: When a population is impoverished, it creates a breeding ground
for greed among the people. As they become greedy, their dissatisfaction with their current state increases, which
can ultimately lead them to turn against their ruler and even join the enemy.

• 2. Causes of impoverishment, greed, and disaffection: The actions of the king play a significant role in fostering
these negative emotions among the subjects. The king's preference for the wicked over the good, disregard for
righteous practices, suppression of justice, and failure to fulfill obligations and protect the people contribute to their
impoverishment, greed, and disaffection.

• 3. Consequences of disaffection: Disaffection among the subjects results in various consequences. The people fear
being extorted and having their property destroyed. They may seek immediate peace, engage in war, or even
consider emigration to escape their misery. Additionally, the disaffected individuals, driven by their greed, become
vulnerable to enemy instigations and manipulation.
• 4. Remedies for addressing disaffection: To address the issues of impoverishment, greed, and
disaffection, several remedies are suggested. The king should take immediate measures to
alleviate impoverishment. The greedy few can be satisfied through promises of sharing in enemy
wealth or by removing them from positions of power. Suppressing disaffected leaders helps in
governing the people more effectively, reducing susceptibility to enemy influences, and
increasing their resilience during times of turmoil.
 SUCCESSION

• 1. Kautilya emphasizes the importance of having royal blood for a king. People may abandon a strong
king who is not of noble birth.
• 2. Legitimate sons are crucial for continuing the royal line, as discussed above. Illegitimate sons are
considered less significant.
• 3. The eldest son is typically the successor to the throne, but if unfit, another suitable candidate who can
ensure the lineage's continuity may be chosen.
• 4. Further chapters addresses the orderly succession in case of the king's natural or battlefield death. The
chief councilor has the responsibility of protecting princes, relatives, ministers, rebellious chiefs, and
neighboring kings during this transition period. Additionally, the chief councilor may act as a regent and
guardian for a young prince.
 PRINCES

• There are three types of sons: wise, lazy, and wicked. A wise son understands and follows
teachings of righteousness and material prosperity . A lazy son understands but doesn't practice
them, while a wicked son dislikes dharma and artha and behaves badly.
• If a king's only son is wicked, they should try to have another son through different means, or
they can have grandsons through their daughters. The goal is to ensure a suitable heir to the
throne.
 RULES

• The eldest son is usually the preferred choice for succession, unless there are significant risks or
dangers involved.
• If an only son is wicked, it is strictly prohibited to make him the king under any circumstances.
• An old or sick king can have a child through his wife with the help of his mother's relative, a
close relation from the same lineage, or a virtuous prince from a neighboring kingdom.
• If a king has multiple sons, it is in the best interest of the kingdom to exclude a wicked son from
the line of succession.
• Sometimes, sovereignty can be shared among the entire royal family. A family ruling together is
difficult to conquer and can ensure long-lasting stability without the threat of internal conflicts.
 DISGRUNTLED SONS

• 1. If a king's son becomes disgruntled and is likely to rebel, secret agents should inform the king.
• - If the prince is the only son and beloved, he should be imprisoned.
• - If the king has multiple sons, the disgruntled prince should be sent away to a safe place, avoiding regions where he can
cause trouble or gain support. Alternatively, if the disgruntled son possesses good qualities, he can be made Chief of Defense
or designated as the heir-apparent to ensure his succession without rebelling.
• 2. A son who is treated unfairly by his father should generally obey, except under certain circumstances.
• - If the prince's life is in danger, if his actions incite people against him, or if it involves committing a serious sin, he can
refuse to obey.
• - If given a worthwhile task, he should perform it diligently with the assistance of efficient officers and send the profits to
his father.
• - If the king continues to show favoritism towards another son or wife, the prince can request to withdraw to the forest or
seek refuge with a just and righteous neighboring king.
• - If the prince acts alone, he can sustain himself by engaging in various occupations and secretly acquire wealth. He can
incite rebellion within his father's kingdom or attack the king with the help of his mother's family.
• 3: The king's countermeasures against a disgruntled prince likely to betray him:
• The king can use high officials' sons or the prince's mother to persuade the prince to come to the court.
If he refuses, assassins can be employed to kill him.
• If the king wishes to spare the prince's life, secret agents can capture him through deception and bring
him before the king.
• An only son can be pacified by promising him the kingdom after the father's death but kept confined.
However, if there are other sons, the disgruntled prince should be killed.
 ORGANIZING SUCCESSION ON THE DEATH
OF A KING
• The councillor's role during the king's illness or anticipated death:
• Maintain the illusion of the king's well-being by limiting visitors and using a double when necessary.
• Coordinate with palace officials to ensure the appearance of the king's regular duties and keep the people satisfied.
• Collect the treasury, army, and important individuals under trustworthy supervision.

• Dealing with potential threats:

• Win over or send away commanders showing hostility.
• Capture a neighboring king through deception or ally assistance and establish a non-treasonous agreement.
• Incite rebellions or manipulate family members against a threatening king.
• If necessary, invite a rebel with false promises and have them killed or employ appropriate methods to counter
conspiracies.
• Ensuring a peaceful transfer of sovereignty:
• Gain support from the royal family, princes, and officials to declare a prince as already crowned.
• Gradually transfer the burden of the kingdom to the Crown Prince while announcing the king's illness.
• Safeguard against internal and external conspiracies while continuing the administration.

• Death of a king during war:

• Make a treaty with the enemy, aided by a disguised friend, and retreat.
• Install a neighboring king in the capital and withdraw from the war.
• Immediately crown the heir-apparent and fight back if attacked.
• Take appropriate measures as described in other sections when faced with enemy aggression.
 REGENCY

• In the absence of a suitable Crown Prince, Bharadvaja suggests that the councillor should seize
the kingdom, arguing that if fathers and sons can fight for the throne, why not a councillor who
plays a significant role in the state? He should not reject what has come into his hands
voluntarily.
• However, Kautilya considers Bharadvaja's advice immoral and likely to incite revolt among the
people. Instead, the councillor should install a worthy royal prince on the throne, possibly a
brother of the deceased king. If no such candidate is available, a prince, princess, or pregnant
queen can be chosen. The decision should be discussed with high officials, portraying the chosen
individual as a symbol while emphasizing the officials' role as the real masters.
• Agents briefed in advance will support the councillor's proposal, stating that the chosen
individual is the most suitable to protect the people. The councillor then installs the prince,
princess, or pregnant queen on the throne, publicly proclaiming the decision to relatives and
envoys. Rations and salaries for ministers and armed forces are increased, with promises of
further raises as the young ruler grows up. Similar treatment is extended to fort commanders and
senior officers.
 ABNORMALITY OF KINGSHIP

• Dyarchy and Foreign Rule: Some teachers argue that a foreign king ruling alone is better than
two kings sharing power. They claim that having two kings leads to favoritism, rivalry, and
hatred, resulting in the destruction of the kingdom. However, Kautilya disagrees, stating that
joint rule by a father and son or two brothers can work well if they prioritize the welfare of the
people and keep the ministers in check.
• An uneducated king and a deviant one: According to some teachers, an uneducated king is worse
than a king who deliberately deviates from teachings. An uneducated king lacks discernment,
can be obstinate, and easily influenced by others, causing injustice and ruining the kingdom. On
the other hand, a deviant king can be persuaded to return to the right path when his mind strays.
Kautilya disagrees, stating that an unlearned king can be guided towards the right actions with
the help of good advisors. A deviant king, however, consistently acts against the teachings and
destroys the kingdom through his injustice.
• A sick king and a new usurping king: Some teachers claim that a sick king is worse off, as he
may lose the kingdom or even his life while trying to rule. In contrast, a new king pleases the
people by performing his duties, benefiting them, reducing taxes, and bestowing favors and
honors. Kautilya disagrees, arguing that a sick king can continue his duties as before. A new king
who seizes power tends to act as if the kingdom is his personal possession. If he had assistance in
the takeover, he may have to tolerate oppression from his supporters, and his rule may be easily
overthrown due to a lack of popularity and stability.
• Considerations for a sick king and a usurper: The advice given above should be adjusted based
on the nature of the sick king's illness and the birth status of the usurper. The distinction should
be made between a sick king suffering from a foul disease due to immoral behavior and one with
a normal illness. Similarly, in the case of a new king, the distinction should be made between one
of noble birth and one from a lower social status
• A weak but noble king and a strong but low-born one: According to the teachers, people prefer a
strong king, even if they are low-born, because of their strength. It is challenging to convince
people to follow a weak king, even if they are nobly born. Kautilya disagrees, stating that people
naturally obey a high-born king, even if they are weak, because nobility carries inherent qualities
of leadership. People also tend to resist the intrigues of a strong but low-born ruler, as they value
the virtues of the beloved when there is love.