7.3. For, when these creatures, being without a king, through fear dispersed in all directions, the Lord created a king for the protection of this whole (creation),
इन्द्रानिलयमार्काणामग्नेश्च वरुणस्य च । चन्द्रवित्तेशयोश्चैव मात्रा निर्हृत्य शाश्वतीः ॥ ७.४॥
indrānilayamārkāṇāmagneśca varuṇasya ca . candravitteśayoścaiva mātrā nirhṛtya śāśvatīḥ .. 7.4..
7.4. Taking (for that purpose) eternal particles of Indra, of the Wind, of Yama, of the Sun, of Fire, of Varuna, of the Moon, and of the Lord of wealth (Kubera).
7.9. Fire burns one man only, if he carelessly approaches it, the fire of a king’s (anger) consumes the (whole) family, together with its cattle and its hoard of property.
कार्यं सोऽवेक्ष्य शक्तिं च देशकालौ च तत्त्वतः । कुरुते धर्मसिद्ध्यर्थं विश्वरूपं पुनः पुनः ॥ ७.१० - क॥
kāryaṃ so'vekṣya śaktiṃ ca deśakālau ca tattvataḥ . kurute dharmasiddhyarthaṃ viśvarūpaṃ punaḥ punaḥ .. 7.10 - ka..
7.10. Having fully considered the purpose, (his) power, and the place and the time, he assumes by turns many (different) shapes for the complete attainment of justice.
7.11. He, in whose favour resides Padma, the goddess of fortune, in whose valour dwells victory, in whose anger abides death, is formed of the lustre of all (gods).
7.14. For the (king’s) sake the Lord formerly created his own son, Punishment, the protector of all creatures, (an incarnation of) the law, formed of Brahman’s glory.
7.16. Having fully considered the time and the place (of the offence), the strength and the knowledge (of the offender), let him justly inflict that (punishment) on men who act unjustly.
स राजा पुरुषो दण्डः स नेता शासिता च सः । चतुर्णामाश्रमाणां च धर्मस्य प्रतिभूः स्मृतः ॥ ७.१७॥
sa rājā puruṣo daṇḍaḥ sa netā śāsitā ca saḥ . caturṇāmāśramāṇāṃ ca dharmasya pratibhūḥ smṛtaḥ .. 7.17..
7.17. Punishment is (in reality) the king (and) the male, that the manager of affairs, that the ruler, and that is
called the surety for the four orders’ obedience to the law.
7.18. Punishment alone governs all created beings, punishment alone protects them, punishment watches over them while they sleep; the wise declare punishment (to be identical with) the law.
7.19. If (punishment) is properly inflicted after (due) consideration, it makes all people happy; but inflicted without consideration, it destroys everything.
7.20. If the king did not, without tiring, inflict punishment on those worthy to be punished, the stronger would
roast the weaker, like fish on a spit;
अद्यात्काकः पुरोडाशं श्वा च लिह्याद्धविस्तथा । स्वाम्यं च न स्यात्कस्मिंश्चित्प्रवर्तेताधरोत्तरम् ॥ ७.२१॥
adyātkākaḥ puroḍāśaṃ śvā ca lihyāddhavistathā . svāmyaṃ ca na syātkasmiṃścitpravartetādharottaram .. 7.21..
7.21. The crow would eat the sacrificial cake and the dog would lick the sacrificial viands, and ownership would not remain with any one, the lower ones would (usurp the place of) the higher ones.
सर्वो दण्डजितो लोको दुर्लभो हि शुचिर्नरः । दण्डस्य हि भयात्सर्वं जगद्भोगाय कल्पते ॥ ७.२२॥
sarvo daṇḍajito loko durlabho hi śucirnaraḥ . daṇḍasya hi bhayātsarvaṃ jagadbhogāya kalpate .. 7.22..
7.22. The whole world is kept in order by punishment, for a guiltless man is hard to find; through fear of punishment the whole world yields the enjoyments (which it owes).
7.23. The gods, the Danavas, the Gandharvas, the Rakshasas, the bird and snake deities even give the enjoyments (due from them) only, if they are tormented by (the fear of) punishment.
7.24. All castes (varna) would be corrupted (by intermixture), all barriers would be broken through, and all men would rage (against each other) in consequence of mistakes with respect to punishment.
7.25. But where Punishment with a black hue and red eyes stalks about, destroying sinners, there the subjects are not disturbed, provided that he who inflicts it discerns well.
7.26. They declare that king to be a just inflicter of punishment, who is truthful, who acts after due consideration, who is wise, and who knows (the respective value of) virtue, pleasure, and wealth.
7.27. A king who properly inflicts (punishment), prospers with respect to (those) three (means of happiness); but he who is voluptuous, partial, and deceitful will be destroyed, even through the (unjust) punishment (which he inflicts).
7.28. Punishment (possesses) a very bright lustre, and is hard to be administered by men with unimproved minds; it strikes down the king who swerves from his duty, together with his relatives.
ततो दुर्गं च राष्ट्रं च लोकं च सचराचरम् । अन्तरिक्षगतांश्चैव मुनीन् देवांश्च पीडयेत् ॥ ७.२९॥
tato durgaṃ ca rāṣṭraṃ ca lokaṃ ca sacarācaram . antarikṣagatāṃścaiva munīn devāṃśca pīḍayet .. 7.29..
7.29. Next it will afflict his castles, his territories, the whole world together with the movable and immovable (creation), likewise the sages and the gods, who (on the failure of offerings) ascend to the sky.
सोऽसहायेन मूढेन लुब्धेनाकृतबुद्धिना । न शक्यो न्यायतो नेतुं सक्तेन विषयेषु च ॥ ७.३०॥
so'sahāyena mūḍhena lubdhenākṛtabuddhinā . na śakyo nyāyato netuṃ saktena viṣayeṣu ca .. 7.30..
7.30. (Punishment) cannot be inflicted justly by one who has no assistant, (nor) by a fool, (nor) by a covetous man, (nor) by one whose mind is unimproved, (nor) by one addicted to sensual pleasures.
7.31. By him who is pure (and) faithful to his promise, who acts according to the Institutes (of the sacred law),
who has good assistants and is wise, punishment can be (justly) inflicted.
7.32. Let him act with justice in his own domain, with rigour chastise his enemies, behave without duplicity
towards his friends, and be lenient towards Brahmanas.
7.34. But the fame of a king who acts in a contrary manner and who does not subdue himself, diminishes in extent among men like a drop of clarified butter in water.
स्वे स्वे धर्मे निविष्टानां सर्वेषामनुपूर्वशः । वर्णानामाश्रमाणां च राजा सृष्टोऽभिरक्षिता ॥ ७.३५॥
sve sve dharme niviṣṭānāṃ sarveṣāmanupūrvaśaḥ . varṇānāmāśramāṇāṃ ca rājā sṛṣṭo'bhirakṣitā .. 7.35..
7.35. The king has been created (to be) the protector of the castes (varna) and orders, who, all according to their
rank, discharge their several duties.
7.37. Let the king, after rising early in the morning, worship Brahmanas who are well versed in the threefold
sacred science and learned (in polity), and follow their advice.
bahavo'vinayātnaṣṭā rājānaḥ saparigrahāḥ . vanasthā api rājyāni vinayātpratipedire .. 7.40..
7.40. Through a want of modesty many kings have perished, together with their belongings; through modesty even hermits in the forest have gained kingdoms.
7.43. From those versed in the three Vedas let him learn the threefold (sacred science), the primeval science of government, the science of dialectics, and the knowledge of the (supreme) Soul; from the people (the theory of) the (various) trades and professions.
7.44. Day and night he must strenuously exert himself to conquer his senses; for he (alone) who has conquered his own senses, can keep his subjects in obedience.
kāmajeṣu prasakto hi vyasaneṣu mahīpatiḥ . viyujyate'rthadharmābhyāṃ krodhajeṣvātmanaiva tu .. 7.46..
7.46. For a king who is attached to the vices springing from love of pleasure, loses his wealth and his virtue, but
(he who is given) to those arising from anger, (loses) even his life.
7.47. Hunting, gambling, sleeping by day, censoriousness, (excess with) women, drunkenness, (an inordinate love for) dancing, singing, and music, and useless travel are the tenfold set (of vices) springing from love of
pleasure.
7.48. Tale-bearing, violence, treachery, envy, slandering, (unjust) seizure of property, reviling, and assault are the eightfold set (of vices) produced by wrath.
7.49. That greediness which all wise men declare to be the root even of both these (sets), let him carefully conquer; both sets (of vices) are produced by that.
7.50. Drinking, dice, women, and hunting, these four (which have been enumerated) in succession, he must know to be the most pernicious in the set that springs from love of pleasure.
7.52. A self-controlled (king) should know that in this set of seven, which prevails everywhere, each earlier- named vice is more abominable (than those named later).
7.53. (On a comparison) between vice and death, vice is declared to be more pernicious; a vicious man sinks to the nethermost (hell), he who dies, free from vice, ascends to heaven.
7.54. Let him appoint seven or eight ministers whose ancestors have been royal servants, who are versed in the sciences, heroes skilled in the use of weapons and descended from (noble) families and who have been tried.
api yatsukaraṃ karma tadapyekena duṣkaram . viśeṣato'sahāyena kiṃ nu rājyaṃ mahodayam .. 7.55..
7.55. Even an undertaking easy (in itself) is (sometimes) hard to be accomplished by a single man; how much (harder is it for a king), especially (if he has) no assistant, (to govern) a kingdom which yields great revenues.
7.56. Let him daily consider with them the ordinary (business, referring to) peace and war, (the four subjects called) sthana, the revenue, the (manner of) protecting (himself and his kingdom), and the sanctification of his gains (by pious gifts).
7.57. Having (first) ascertained the opinion of each (minister) separately and (then the views) of all together, let
him do what is (most) beneficial for him in his affairs.
7.58. But with the most distinguished among them all, a learned Brahmana, let the king deliberate on the most
important affairs which relate to the six measures of royal policy.
7.59. Let him, full of confidence, always entrust to that (official) all business; having taken his final resolution
with him, let him afterwards begin to act.
7.62. Among them let him employ the brave, the skilful, the high-born, and the honest in (offices for the collection of) revenue, (e.g.) in mines, manufactures, and storehouses, (but) the timid in the interior of his
palace.
7.63. Let him also appoint an ambassador who is versed in all sciences, who understands hints, expressions of
the face and gestures, who is honest, skilful, and of (noble) family.
7.64. (Such) an ambassador is commended to a king (who is) loyal, honest, skilful, possessing a good memory, who knows the (proper) place and time (for action, who is) handsome, fearless, and eloquent.
7.65. The army depends on the official (placed in charge of it), the due control (of the subjects) on the army, the treasury and the (government of) the realm on the king, peace and its opposite (war) on the ambassador.
दूत एव हि संधत्ते भिनत्त्येव च संहतान् । दूतस्तत्कुरुते कर्म भिद्यन्ते येन मानवः ॥ ७.६६॥
dūta eva hi saṃdhatte bhinattyeva ca saṃhatān . dūtastatkurute karma bhidyante yena mānavaḥ .. 7.66..
7.66. For the ambassador alone makes (kings’) allies and separates allies; the ambassador transacts that business by which (kings) are disunited or not.
स विद्यादस्य कृत्येषु निर्गूढेङ्गितचेष्टितैः । आकारमिङ्गितं चेष्टां भृत्येषु च चिकीर्षितम् ॥ ७.६७॥
sa vidyādasya kṛtyeṣu nirgūḍheṅgitaceṣṭitaiḥ . ākāramiṅgitaṃ ceṣṭāṃ bhṛtyeṣu ca cikīrṣitam .. 7.67..
7.67. With respect to the affairs let the (ambassador) explore the expression of the countenance, the gestures and actions of the (foreign king) through the gestures and actions of his confidential (advisers), and (discover) his designs among his servants.
बुद्ध्वा च सर्वं तत्त्वेन परराजचिकीर्षितम् । तथा प्रयत्नमातिष्ठेद्यथाऽत्मानं न पीडयेत् ॥ ७.६८॥
buddhvā ca sarvaṃ tattvena pararājacikīrṣitam . tathā prayatnamātiṣṭhedyathā'tmānaṃ na pīḍayet .. 7.68..
7.68. Having learnt exactly (from his ambassador) the designs of the foreign king, let (the king) take such measures that he does not bring evil on himself.
7.69. Let him settle in a country which is open and has a dry climate, where grain is abundant, which is chiefly (inhabited) by Aryans, not subject to epidemic diseases (or similar troubles), and pleasant, where the vassals are obedient and his own (people easily) find their livelihood.
7.70. Let him build (there) a town, making for his safety a fortress, protected by a desert, or a fortress built of (stone and) earth, or one protected by water or trees, or one (formed by an encampment of armed) men or a hill- fort.
sarveṇa tu prayatnena giridurgaṃ samāśrayet . eṣāṃ hi bāhuguṇyena giridurgaṃ viśiṣyate .. 7.71..
7.71. Let him make every effort to secure a hill-fort, for amongst all those (fortresses mentioned) a hill-fort is distinguished by many superior qualities.
7.72. The first three of those (various kinds of fortresses) are inhabited by wild beasts, animals living in holes
and aquatic animals, the last three by monkeys, men, and gods respectively.
7.73. As enemies do not hurt these (beings, when they are) sheltered by (their) fortresses, even so foes (can) not injure a king who has taken refuge in his fort.
7.74. One bowman, placed on a rampart, is a match in battle for one hundred (foes), one hundred for ten thousand; hence it is prescribed (in the Sastras that a king will posses) a fortress.
तत्स्यादायुधसम्पन्नं धनधान्येन वाहनैः । ब्राह्मणैः शिल्पिभिर्यन्त्रैर्यवसेनोदकेन च ॥ ७.७५॥
tatsyādāyudhasampannaṃ dhanadhānyena vāhanaiḥ . brāhmaṇaiḥ śilpibhiryantrairyavasenodakena ca .. 7.75..
7.75. Let that (fort) be well supplied with weapons, money, grain and beasts of burden, with Brahmanas, with artisans, with engines, with fodder, and with water.
7.76. Let him cause to be built for himself, in the centre of it, a spacious palace, (well) protected, habitable in
every season, resplendent (with whitewash), supplied with water and trees.
7.77. Inhabiting that, let him wed a consort of equal caste (varna), who possesses auspicious marks (on her
body), and is born in a great family, who is charming and possesses beauty and excellent qualities.
पुरोहितं च कुर्वीत वृणुयादेव चर्त्विजः । तेऽस्य गृह्याणि कर्माणि कुर्युर्वैतानिकानि च ॥ ७.७८॥
purohitaṃ ca kurvīta vṛṇuyādeva cartvijaḥ . te'sya gṛhyāṇi karmāṇi kuryurvaitānikāni ca .. 7.78..
7.78. Let him appoint a domestic priest (purohita) and choose officiating priests (ritvig); they shall perform his domestic rites and the (sacrifices) for which three fires are required.
7.79. A king shall offer various (Srauta) sacrifices at which liberal fees (are distributed), and in order to acquire merit, he shall give to Brahmanas enjoyments and wealth.
7.80. Let him cause the annual revenue in his kingdom to be collected by trusty (officials), let him obey the
sacred law in (his transactions with) the people, and behave like a father towards all men.
7.81. For the various (branches of business) let him appoint intelligent supervisors; they shall inspect all (the
acts) of those men who transact his business.
7.82. Let him honour those Brahmanas who have returned from their teacher’s house (after studying the Veda); for that (money which is given) to Brahmanas is declared to be an imperishable treasure for kings.
न स्कन्दते न व्यथते न विनश्यति कर्हि चित् । वरिष्ठमग्निहोत्रेभ्यो ब्राह्मणस्य मुखे हुतम् ॥ ७.८४॥
na skandate na vyathate na vinaśyati karhi cit . variṣṭhamagnihotrebhyo brāhmaṇasya mukhe hutam .. 7.84..
7.84. The offering made through the mouth of a Brahmana, which is neither spilt, nor falls (on the ground), nor ever perishes, is far more excellent than Agnihotras.
7.85. A gift to one who is not a Brahmana (yields) the ordinary (reward; a gift) to one who calls himself a Brahmana, a double (reward); a gift to a well-read Brahmana, a hundred-thousandfold (reward); (a gift) to one who knows the Veda and the Angas (Vedaparaga, a reward) without end.
पात्रस्य हि विशेषेण श्रद्दधानतयैव च । अल्पं वा बहु वा प्रेत्य दानस्य फलमश्नुते ॥ ७.८६॥
pātrasya hi viśeṣeṇa śraddadhānatayaiva ca . alpaṃ vā bahu vā pretya dānasya phalamaśnute .. 7.86..
7.86. For according to the particular qualities of the recipient and according to the faith (of the giver) a small or a great reward will be obtained for a gift in the next world.
7.87. A king who, while he protects his people, is defied by (foes), be they equal in strength, or stronger, or weaker, must not shrink from battle, remembering the duty of Kshatriyas.
7.90. When he fights with his foes in battle, let him not strike with weapons concealed (in wood), nor with (such as are) barbed, poisoned, or the points of which are blazing with fire.
न कूटैरायुधैर्हन्याद्युध्यमानो रणे रिपून् । न कर्णिभिर्नापि दिग्धैर्नाग्निज्वलिततेजनैः ॥ ७.९०॥
na kūṭairāyudhairhanyādyudhyamāno raṇe ripūn . na karṇibhirnāpi digdhairnāgnijvalitatejanaiḥ .. 7.90..
7.91. Let him not strike one who (in flight) has climbed on an eminence, nor a eunuch, nor one who joins the palms of his hands (in supplication), nor one who (flees) with flying hair, nor one who sits down, nor one who
says ’I am thine;’
न च हन्यात्स्थलारूढं न क्लीबं न कृताञ्जलिम् । न मुक्तकेशं नासीनं न तवास्मीति वादिनम् ॥ ७.९१॥
na ca hanyātsthalārūḍhaṃ na klībaṃ na kṛtāñjalim . na muktakeśaṃ nāsīnaṃ na tavāsmīti vādinam .. 7.91..
7.92. Nor one who sleeps, nor one who has lost his coat of mail, nor one who is naked, nor one who is disarmed, nor one who looks on without taking part in the fight, nor one who is fighting with another (foe);
न सुप्तं न विसंनाहं न नग्नं न निरायुधम् । नायुध्यमानं पश्यन्तं न परेण समागतम् ॥ ७.९२॥
na suptaṃ na visaṃnāhaṃ na nagnaṃ na nirāyudham . nāyudhyamānaṃ paśyantaṃ na pareṇa samāgatam .. 7.92..
7.93. Nor one whose weapons are broken, nor one afflicted (with sorrow), nor one who has been grievously wounded, nor one who is in fear, nor one who has turned to flight; (but in all these cases let him) remember the duty (of honourable warriors).
7.96. Chariots and horses, elephants, parasols, money, grain, cattle, women, all sorts of (marketable) goods and
valueless metals belong to him who takes them (singly) conquering (the possessor).
रथाश्वं हस्तिनं छत्रं धनं धान्यं पशून् स्त्रियः । सर्वद्रव्याणि कुप्यं च यो यज्जयति तस्य तत् ॥ ७.९६॥
rathāśvaṃ hastinaṃ chatraṃ dhanaṃ dhānyaṃ paśūn striyaḥ . sarvadravyāṇi kupyaṃ ca yo yajjayati tasya tat .. 7.96..
7.97. A text of the Veda (declares) that (the soldiers) shall present a choice portion (of the booty) to the king; what has not been taken singly, must be distributed by the king among all the soldiers.
7.99. Let him strive to gain what he has not yet gained; what he has gained let him carefully preserve; let him
augment what he preserves, and what he has augmented let him bestow on worthy men.
etaccaturvidhaṃ vidyātpuruṣārthaprayojanam . asya nityamanuṣṭhānaṃ samyakkuryādatandritaḥ .. 7.100..
7.101. What he has not (yet) gained, let him seek (to gain) by (his) army; what he has gained, let him protect by careful attention; what he has protected, let him augment by (various modes of) increasing it; and what he has augmented, let him liberally bestow (on worthy men).
7.102. Let him be ever ready to strike, his prowess constantly displayed, and his secrets constantly concealed, and let him constantly explore the weaknesses of his foe.
7.103. Of him who is always ready to strike, the whole world stands in awe; let him therefore make all creatures subject to himself even by the employment of force.
7.104. Let him ever act without guile, and on no account treacherously; carefully guarding himself, let him
always fathom the treachery which his foes employ.
अमाययैव वर्तेत न कथं चन मायया । बुध्येतारिप्रयुक्तां च मायां नित्यं सुसंवृतः ॥ ७.१०४॥
amāyayaiva varteta na kathaṃ cana māyayā . budhyetāriprayuktāṃ ca māyāṃ nityaṃ susaṃvṛtaḥ .. 7.104..
7.105. His enemy must not know his weaknesses, but he must know the weaknesses of his enemy; as the
tortoise (hides its limbs), even so let him secure the members (of his government against treachery), let him protect his own weak points.
7.106. Let him plan his undertakings (patiently meditating) like a heron; like a lion, let him put forth his strength; like a wolf, let him snatch (his prey); like a hare, let him double in retreat.
यदि ते तु न तिष्ठेयुरुपायैः प्रथमैस्त्रिभिः । दण्डेनैव प्रसह्यैतांशनकैर्वशमानयेत् ॥ ७.१०८॥
yadi te tu na tiṣṭheyurupāyaiḥ prathamaistribhiḥ . daṇḍenaiva prasahyaitāṃśanakairvaśamānayet .. 7.108..
7.109. Among the four expedients, conciliation and the rest, the learned always recommend conciliation and (the employment of) force for the prosperity of kingdoms.
7.111. That king who through folly rashly oppresses his kingdom, (will), together with his relatives, ere long be deprived of his life and of his kingdom.
7.112. As the lives of living creatures are destroyed by tormenting their bodies, even so the lives of kings are destroyed by their oppressing their kingdoms.
7.114. Let him place a company of soldiers, commanded (by a trusty officer), the midst of two, three, five or hundreds of villages, (to be) a protection of the kingdom.
ग्रामस्याधिपतिं कुर्याद्दशग्रामपतिं तथा । विंशतीशं शतेशं च सहस्रपतिमेव च ॥ ७.११५॥
grāmasyādhipatiṃ kuryāddaśagrāmapatiṃ tathā . viṃśatīśaṃ śateśaṃ ca sahasrapatimeva ca .. 7.115..
7.116. The lord of one village himself shall inform the lord of ten villages of the crimes committed in his
village, and the ruler of ten (shall make his report) to the ruler of twenty.
7.117. But the ruler of twenty shall report all such (matters) to the lord of a hundred, and the lord of a hundred shall himself give information to the lord of a thousand.
7.119. The ruler of ten (villages) shall enjoy one kula (as much land as suffices for one family), the ruler of
twenty five kulas, the superintendent of a hundred villages (the revenues of) one village, the lord of a thousand (the revenues of) a town.
daśī kulaṃ tu bhuñjīta viṃśī pañca kulāni ca . grāmaṃ grāmaśatādhyakṣaḥ sahasrādhipatiḥ puram .. 7.119..
7.120. The affairs of these (officials), which are connected with (their) villages and their separate business, another minister of the king shall inspect, (who must be) loyal and never remiss;
7.122. Let that (man) always personally visit by turns all those (other officials); let him properly explore their behaviour in their districts through spies (appointed to) each.
7.123. For the servants of the king, who are appointed to protect (the people), generally become knaves who seize the property of others; let him protect his subjects against such (men).
7.125. For women employed in the royal service and for menial servants, let him fix a daily maintenance, in proportion to their position and to their work.
7.126. One pana must be given (daily) as wages to the lowest, six to the highest, likewise clothing every six months and one drona of grain every month.
7.127. Having well considered (the rates of) purchase and (of) sale, (the length of) the road, (the expense for)
food and condiments, the charges of securing the goods, let the king make the traders pay duty.
क्रयविक्रयमध्वानं भक्तं च सपरिव्ययम् । योगक्षेमं च सम्प्रेक्ष्य वणिजो दापयेत्करान् ॥ ७.१२७॥
krayavikrayamadhvānaṃ bhaktaṃ ca saparivyayam . yogakṣemaṃ ca samprekṣya vaṇijo dāpayetkarān .. 7.127..
7.128. After (due) consideration the king shall always fix in his realm the duties and taxes in such a manner that both he himself and the man who does the work receive (their due) reward.
7.131. He may also take the sixth part of trees, meat, honey, clarified butter, perfumes, (medical) herbs, substances used for flavouring food, flowers, roots, and fruit;
7.135. Having ascertained his learning in the Veda and (the purity of) his conduct, the king shall provide for him means of subsistence in accordance with the sacred law, and shall protect him in every way, as a father (protects) the lawful son of his body.
7.136. Whatever meritorious acts (such a Brahmana) performs under the full protection of the king, thereby the king’s length of life, wealth, and kingdom increase.
7.139. Let him not cut up his own root (by levying no taxes), nor the root of other (men) by excessive greed; for
by cutting up his own root (or theirs), he makes himself or them wretched.
7.141. When he is tired with the inspection of the business of men, let him place on that seat (of justice) his chief minister, (who must be) acquainted with the law, wise, self-controlled, and descended from a (noble)
family.
7.143. That (monarch) whose subjects are carried off by robbers (Dasyu) from his kingdom, while they loudly call (for help), and he and his servants are (quietly) looking on, is a dead and not a living (king).
विक्रोशन्त्यो यस्य राष्ट्राध्रियन्ते दस्युभिः प्रजाः । सम्पश्यतः सभृत्यस्य मृतः स न तु जीवति ॥ ७.१४३॥
vikrośantyo yasya rāṣṭrādhriyante dasyubhiḥ prajāḥ . sampaśyataḥ sabhṛtyasya mṛtaḥ sa na tu jīvati .. 7.143..
7.144. The highest duty of a Kshatriya is to protect his subjects, for the king who enjoys the rewards, just mentioned, is bound to (discharge that) duty.
7.145. Having risen in the last watch of the night, having performed (the rite of) personal purification, having, with a collected mind, offered oblations in the fire, and having worshipped Brahmanas, he shall enter the hall of audience which must possess the marks (considered) auspicious (for a dwelling).
7.146. Tarrying there, he shall gratify all subjects (who come to see him by a kind reception) and afterwards dismiss them; having dismissed his subjects, he shall take counsel with his ministers.
tatra sthitaḥ prajāḥ sarvāḥ pratinandya visarjayet . visṛjya ca prajāḥ sarvā mantrayetsaha mantribhiḥ .. 7.146..
7.147. Ascending the back of a hill or a terrace, (and) retiring (there) in a lonely place, or in a solitary forest, let him consult with them unobserved.
7.148. That king whose secret plans other people, (though) assembled (for the purpose), do not discover, (will) enjoy the whole earth, though he be poor in treasure.
यस्य मन्त्रं न जानन्ति समागम्य पृथग्जनाः । स कृत्स्नां पृथिवीं भुङ्क्ते कोशहीनोऽपि पार्थिवः ॥ ७.१४८॥
yasya mantraṃ na jānanti samāgamya pṛthagjanāḥ . sa kṛtsnāṃ pṛthivīṃ bhuṅkte kośahīno'pi pārthivaḥ .. 7.148..
7.149. At the time of consultation let him cause to be removed idiots, the dumb, the blind, and the deaf, animals,
very aged men, women, barbarians, the sick, and those deficient in limbs.
7.150. (Such) despicable (persons), likewise animals, and particularly women betray secret council; for that
reason he must be careful with respect to them.
7.151. At midday or at midnight, when his mental and bodily fatigues are over, let him deliberate, either with
himself alone or with his (ministers), on virtue, pleasure, and wealth,
7.152. On (reconciling) the attainment of these (aims) which are opposed to each other, on bestowing his daughters in marriage, and on keeping his sons (from harm),
परस्परविरुद्धानां तेषां च समुपार्जनम् । कन्यानां सम्प्रदानं च कुमाराणां च रक्षणम् ॥ ७.१५२॥
parasparaviruddhānāṃ teṣāṃ ca samupārjanam . kanyānāṃ sampradānaṃ ca kumārāṇāṃ ca rakṣaṇam .. 7.152..
7.153. On sending ambassadors, on the completion of undertakings (already begun), on the behaviour of (the women in) his harem, and on the doings of his spies.
दूतसम्प्रेषणं चैव कार्यशेषं तथैव च । अन्तःपुरप्रचारं च प्रणिधीनां च चेष्टितम् ॥ ७.१५३॥
dūtasampreṣaṇaṃ caiva kāryaśeṣaṃ tathaiva ca . antaḥpurapracāraṃ ca praṇidhīnāṃ ca ceṣṭitam .. 7.153..
7.154. On the whole eightfold business and the five classes (of spies), on the goodwill or enmity and the conduct of the circle (of neighbours he must) carefully (reflect).
कृत्स्नं चाष्टविधं कर्म पञ्चवर्गं च तत्त्वतः । अनुरागापरागौ च प्रचारं मण्डलस्य च ॥ ७.१५४॥
kṛtsnaṃ cāṣṭavidhaṃ karma pañcavargaṃ ca tattvataḥ . anurāgāparāgau ca pracāraṃ maṇḍalasya ca .. 7.154..
7.155. On the conduct of the middlemost (prince), on the doings of him who seeks conquest, on the behaviour of the neutral (king), and (on that) of the foe (let him) sedulously (meditate).
मध्यमस्य प्रचारं च विजिगीषोश्च चेष्टितम् । उदासीनप्रचारं च शत्रोश्चैव प्रयत्नतः ॥ ७.१५५॥
madhyamasya pracāraṃ ca vijigīṣośca ceṣṭitam . udāsīnapracāraṃ ca śatroścaiva prayatnataḥ .. 7.155..
7.156. These (four) constituents (prakriti, form), briefly (speaking), the foundation of the circle (of neighbours);
besides, eight others are enumerated (in the Institutes of Polity) and (thus) the (total) is declared to be twelve.
7.157. The minister, the kingdom, the fortress, the treasury, and the army are five other (constituent elements of the circle); for, these are mentioned in connexion with each (of the first twelve; thus the whole circle consists), briefly (speaking, of) seventy-two (constituent parts).
7.158. Let (the king) consider as hostile his immediate neighbour and the partisan of (such a) foe, as friendly the immediate neighbour of his foe, and as neutral (the king) beyond those two.
अनन्तरमरिं विद्यादरिसेविनमेव च । अरेरनन्तरं मित्रमुदासीनं तयोः परम् ॥ ७.१५८॥
anantaramariṃ vidyādarisevinameva ca . areranantaraṃ mitramudāsīnaṃ tayoḥ param .. 7.158..
7.159. Let him overcome all of them by means of the (four) expedients, conciliation and the rest, (employed) either singly or conjointly, (or) by bravery and policy (alone).
तान् सर्वानभिसंदध्यात्सामादिभिरुपक्रमैः । व्यस्तैश्चैव समस्तैश्च पौरुषेण नयेन च ॥ ७.१५९॥
tān sarvānabhisaṃdadhyātsāmādibhirupakramaiḥ . vyastaiścaiva samastaiśca pauruṣeṇa nayena ca .. 7.159..
7.160. Let him constantly think of the six measures of royal policy (guna, viz.) alliance, war, marching, halting, dividing the army, and seeking protection.
संधिं च विग्रहं चैव यानमासनमेव च । द्वैधीभावं संश्रयं च षड्गुणांश्चिन्तयेत्सदा ॥ ७.१६०॥
saṃdhiṃ ca vigrahaṃ caiva yānamāsanameva ca . dvaidhībhāvaṃ saṃśrayaṃ ca ṣaḍguṇāṃścintayetsadā .. 7.160..
7.161. Having carefully considered the business (in hand), let him resort to sitting quiet or marching, alliance or war, dividing his forces or seeking protection (as the case may require).
आसनं चैव यानं च संधिं विग्रहमेव च । कार्यं वीक्ष्य प्रयुञ्जीत द्वैधं संश्रयमेव च ॥ ७.१६१॥
āsanaṃ caiva yānaṃ ca saṃdhiṃ vigrahameva ca . kāryaṃ vīkṣya prayuñjīta dvaidhaṃ saṃśrayameva ca .. 7.161..
7.162. But the king must know that there are two kinds of alliances and of wars, (likewise two) of both marching and sitting quiet, and two (occasions for) seeking protection.)
संधिं तु द्विविधं विद्याद्राजा विग्रहमेव च । उभे यानासने चैव द्विविधः संश्रयः स्मृतः ॥ ७.१६२॥
saṃdhiṃ tu dvividhaṃ vidyādrājā vigrahameva ca . ubhe yānāsane caiva dvividhaḥ saṃśrayaḥ smṛtaḥ .. 7.162..
7.163. An alliance which yields present and future advantages, one must know to be of two descriptions, (viz.) that when one marches together (with an ally) and the contrary (when the allies act separately).
समानयानकर्मा च विपरीतस्तथैव च । तदा त्वायतिसंयुक्तः संधिर्ज्ञेयो द्विलक्षणः ॥ ७.१६३॥
samānayānakarmā ca viparītastathaiva ca . tadā tvāyatisaṃyuktaḥ saṃdhirjñeyo dvilakṣaṇaḥ .. 7.163..
7.164. War is declared to be of two kinds, (viz.) that which is undertaken in season or out of season, by oneself and for one’s own purposes, and (that waged to avenge) an injury done to a friend.
7.165. Marching (to attack) is said to be twofold, (viz. that undertaken) by one alone when an urgent matter has suddenly arisen, and (that undertaken) by one allied with a friend.
7.166. Sitting quiet is stated to be of two kinds, (viz. that incumbent) on one who has gradually been weakened
by fate or in consequence of former acts, and (that) in favour of a friend.
7.167. If the army stops (in one place) and its master (in another) in order to effect some purpose, that is called
by those acquainted with the virtues of the measures of royal policy, the twofold division of the forces.
7.168. Seeking refuge is declared to be of two kinds, (first) for the purpose of attaining an advantage when one is harassed by enemies, (secondly) in order to become known among the virtuous (as the protege of a powerful king).
7.169. When (the king) knows (that) at some future time his superiority (is) certain, and (that) at the time present (he will suffer) little injury, then let him have recourse to peaceful measures.
आयतिं सर्वकार्याणां तदात्वं च विचारयेत् । अतीतानां च सर्वेषां गुणदोषौ च तत्त्वतः ॥ ७.१७८॥
āyatiṃ sarvakāryāṇāṃ tadātvaṃ ca vicārayet . atītānāṃ ca sarveṣāṃ guṇadoṣau ca tattvataḥ .. 7.178..
7.179. He who knows the good and the evil (which will result from his acts) in the future, is quick in forming resolutions for the present, and understands the consequences of past (actions), will not be conquered.
7.181. But if the king undertakes an expedition against a hostile kingdom, then let him gradually advance, in the following manner, against his foe’s capital.
tadā tu yānamātiṣṭhedarirāṣṭraṃ prati prabhuḥ . tadānena vidhānena yāyādaripuraṃ śanaiḥ .. 7.181..
7.182. Let the king undertake his march in the fine month Margasirsha, or towards the months of Phalguna and
Kaitra, according to the (condition of his) army.
7.184. But having duly arranged (all affairs) in his original (kingdom) and what relates to the expedition, having
secured a basis (for his operations) and having duly dispatched his spies
कृत्वा विधानं मूले तु यात्रिकं च यथाविधि । उपगृह्यास्पदं चैव चारान् सम्यग्विधाय च ॥ ७.१८४॥
kṛtvā vidhānaṃ mūle tu yātrikaṃ ca yathāvidhi . upagṛhyāspadaṃ caiva cārān samyagvidhāya ca .. 7.184..
7.185. Having cleared the three kinds of roads, and (having made) his sixfold army (efficient), let him leisurely
proceed in the manner prescribed for warfare against the enemy’s capital.
संशोध्य त्रिविधं मार्गं षड्विधं च बलं स्वकम् । साम्परायिककल्पेन यायादरिपुरं प्रति ॥ ७.१८५॥
saṃśodhya trividhaṃ mārgaṃ ṣaḍvidhaṃ ca balaṃ svakam . sāmparāyikakalpena yāyādaripuraṃ prati .. 7.185..
7.186. Let him be very much on his guard against a friend who secretly serves the enemy and against (deserters) who return (from the enemy’s camp); for such (men are) the most dangerous foes.
शत्रुसेविनि मित्रे च गूढे युक्ततरो भवेत् । गतप्रत्यागते चैव स हि कष्टतरो रिपुः ॥ ७.१८६॥
śatrusevini mitre ca gūḍhe yuktataro bhavet . gatapratyāgate caiva sa hi kaṣṭataro ripuḥ .. 7.186..
7.187. Let him march on his road, arraying (his troops) like a staff (i.e. in an oblong), or like a waggon (i.e. in a wedge), or like a boar (i.e. in a rhombus), or like a Makara (i.e. in two triangles, with the apices joined), or like a pin (i.e. in a long line), or like a Garuda (i.e. in a rhomboid with far-extended wings).
7.188. From whatever (side) he apprehends danger, in that (direction) let him extend his troops, and let him always himself encamp in an array, shaped like a lotus.
7.189. Let him allot to the commander-in-chief, to the (subordinate) general, (and to the superior officers) places in all directions, and let him turn his front in that direction whence he fears danger.
7.190. On all sides let him place troops of soldiers, on whom he can rely, with whom signals have been arranged, who are expert both in sustaining a charge and in charging, fearless and loyal.
7.191. Let him make a small number of soldiers fight in close order, at his pleasure let him extend a large number in loose ranks; or let him make them fight, arranging (a small number) in the needle-array, (and a large
number) in the thunderbolt-array.
7.192. On even ground let him fight with chariots and horses, in water-bound places with boats and elephants, on (ground) covered with trees and shrubs with bows, on hilly ground with swords, targets, (and other)
weapons.
syandanāśvaiḥ same yudhyedanūpenodvipaistathā . vṛkṣagulmāvṛte cāpairasicarmāyudhaiḥ sthale .. 7.192..
7.193. (Men born in) Kurukshetra, Matsyas, Pankalas, and those born in Surasena, let him cause to fight in the van of the battle, as well as (others who are) tall and light.
7.194. After arranging his troops, he should encourage them (by an address) and carefully inspect them; he should also mark the behaviour (of the soldiers) when they engage the enemy.
7.197. Let him instigate to rebellion those who are open to such instigations, let him be informed of his (foe’s) doings, and, when fate is propitious, let him fight without fear, trying to conquer.
उपजप्यानुपजपेद्बुध्येतैव च तत्कृतम् । युक्ते च दैवे युध्येत जयप्रेप्सुरपेतभीः ॥ ७.१९७॥
upajapyānupajapedbudhyetaiva ca tatkṛtam . yukte ca daive yudhyeta jayaprepsurapetabhīḥ .. 7.197..
7.198. He should (however) try to conquer his foes by conciliation, by (well-applied) gifts, and by creating dissension, used either separately or conjointly, never by fighting, (if it can be avoided.)
7.200. (But) if even those three before-mentioned expedients fail, then let him, duly exerting himself, fight in such a manner that he may completely conquer his enemies.
7.201. When he has gained victory, let him duly worship the gods and honour righteous Brahmanas, let him grant exemptions, and let him cause promises of safety to be proclaimed.
जित्वा सम्पूजयेद्देवान् ब्राह्मणांश्चैव धार्मिकान् । प्रदद्यात्परिहारार्थं ख्यापयेदभयानि च ॥ ७.२०१॥
jitvā sampūjayeddevān brāhmaṇāṃścaiva dhārmikān . pradadyātparihārārthaṃ khyāpayedabhayāni ca .. 7.201..
7.202. But having fully ascertained the wishes of all the (conquered), let him place there a relative of the (vanquished ruler on the throne), and let him impose his conditions.
7.203. Let him make authoritative the lawful (customs) of the (inhabitants), just as they are stated (to be), and let him honour the (new king) and his chief servants with precious gifts.
pramāṇāni ca kurvīta teṣāṃ dharmān yathoditān . ratnaiśca pūjayedenaṃ pradhānapuruṣaiḥ saha .. 7.203..
7.204. The seizure of desirable property which causes displeasure, and its distribution which causes pleasure,
are both recommendable, (if they are) resorted to at the proper time.
आदानमप्रियकरं दानं च प्रियकारकम् । अभीप्सितानामर्थानां कालयुक्तं प्रशस्यते ॥ ७.२०४॥
ādānamapriyakaraṃ dānaṃ ca priyakārakam . abhīpsitānāmarthānāṃ kālayuktaṃ praśasyate .. 7.204..
7.205. All undertakings (in) this (world) depend both on the ordering of fate and on human exertion; but among these two (the ways of) fate are unfathomable; in the case of man’s work action is possible.
7.206. Or (the king, bent on conquest), considering a friend, gold, and land (to be) the triple result (of an expedition), may, using diligent care, make peace with (his foe) and return (to his realm).
पार्ष्णिग्राहं च सम्प्रेक्ष्य तथाक्रन्दं च मण्डले । मित्रादथाप्यमित्राद्वा यात्राफलमवाप्नुयात् ॥ ७.२०७॥
pārṣṇigrāhaṃ ca samprekṣya tathākrandaṃ ca maṇḍale . mitrādathāpyamitrādvā yātrāphalamavāpnuyāt .. 7.207..
7.207. Having paid due attention to any king in the circle (of neighbouring states) who might attack him in the rear, and to his supporter who opposes the latter, let (the conqueror) secure the fruit of the expedition from (the prince whom he attacks), whether (he may have become) friendly or (remained) hostile.
7.208. By gaining gold and land a king grows not so much in strength as by obtaining a firm friend, (who), though weak, (may become) powerful in the future.
धर्मज्ञं च कृतज्ञं च तुष्टप्रकृतिमेव च । अनुरक्तं स्थिरारम्भं लघुमित्रं प्रशस्यते ॥ ७.२०९॥
dharmajñaṃ ca kṛtajñaṃ ca tuṣṭaprakṛtimeva ca . anuraktaṃ sthirārambhaṃ laghumitraṃ praśasyate .. 7.209..
7.209. A weak friend (even) is greatly commended, who is righteous (and) grateful, whose people are contented, who is attached and persevering in his undertakings.
आर्यता पुरुषज्ञानं शौर्यं करुणवेदिता । स्थौललक्ष्यं च सततमुदासीनगुणौदयः ॥ ७.२११॥
āryatā puruṣajñānaṃ śauryaṃ karuṇaveditā . sthaulalakṣyaṃ ca satatamudāsīnaguṇaudayaḥ .. 7.211..
7.211. Behaviour worthy of an Aryan, knowledge of men, bravery, a compassionate disposition, and great liberality are the virtues of a neutral (who may be courted).
7.213. For times of need let him preserve his wealth; at the expense of his wealth let him preserve his wife; let him at all events preserve himself even by (giving up) his wife and his wealth.
7.214. A wise (king), seeing that all kinds of misfortunes violently assail him at the same time, should try all (the four) expedients, be it together or separately, (in order to save himself.)
उपेतारमुपेयं च सर्वोपायांश्च कृत्स्नशः । एतत्त्रयं समाश्रित्य प्रयतेतार्थसिद्धये ॥ ७.२१५॥
upetāramupeyaṃ ca sarvopāyāṃśca kṛtsnaśaḥ . etattrayaṃ samāśritya prayatetārthasiddhaye .. 7.215..
7.215. On the person who employs the expedients, on the business to be accomplished, and on all the expedients collectively, on these three let him ponder and strive to accomplish his ends.
7.216. Having thus consulted with his ministers on all these (matters), having taken exercise, and having bathed afterwards, the king may enter the harem at midday in order to dine.
7.217. There he may eat food, (which has been prepared) by faithful, incorruptible (servants) who know the
(proper) time (for dining), which has been well examined (and hallowed) by sacred texts that destroy poison.
bhuktavān vihareccaiva strībhirantaḥpure saha . vihṛtya tu yathākālaṃ punaḥ kāryāṇi cintayet .. 7.221..
7.221. When he has dined, he may divert himself with his wives in the harem; but when he has diverted himself, he must, in due time, again think of the affairs of state.
अलङ्कृतश्च सम्पश्येदायुधीयं पुनर्जनम् । वाहनानि च सर्वाणि शस्त्राण्याभरणानि च ॥ ७.२२२॥
alaṅkṛtaśca sampaśyedāyudhīyaṃ punarjanam . vāhanāni ca sarvāṇi śastrāṇyābharaṇāni ca .. 7.222..
7.222. Adorned (with his robes of state), let him again inspect his fighting men, all his chariots and beasts of
burden, the weapons and accoutrements.
7.223. Having performed his twilight-devotions, let him, well armed, hear in an inner apartment the doings of those who make secret reports and of his spies.
7.224. But going to another secret apartment and dismissing those people, he may enter the harem, surrounded
by female (servants), in order to dine again.
7.225. Having eaten there something for the second time, and having been recreated by the sound of music, let
him go to rest and rise at the proper time free from fatigue.