Doctrine of Saptang Theory

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1. Saptang Theory Dr. Virag Sontakke Assistant Professor Center for Advanced Studies Department of A.I.H.C. & Archaeology, Banaras Hindu University

2. Saptang Theory

3. Introduction Ancient political thinkers imagined the state as seven-limed. Kautilya in Arthashastra strongly proposed this concept. Kautilya : 1) swami, 2) Amatyas , 3) Janapada , 4) Durgas , 5) Kosha, 6) Danda , and 7) Mitra. Manusmriti : 1) king, 2) ministers, 3) capital, 4) realm, 5) treasure, 6) army, and 7) ally. Saptanga theory given by Kautilya was universally accepted. Saptanga theory is significant to know the nature of the state of ancient India.

4. Saptang Theory First time appears in Arthshashtra मनुस्मृति : follows Arthshashtra Shantiparava : Eight elements ( अष्टांगिक मार्ग ) Vishnudharmottar Puran (500 CE): referred Saptang Theory and initiated by Gautam Vishnudharmottar Puran : Added Sam and Dan Kamandak :

5. Saptanga Theory Saptanga Theory by Kautilya : A) Seven prakritis B) Essential organs of the state. __________________________________________________________________ Swamin (King), Amatya (Ministers), Janapad (The people and territory), Durga (The Fort), Kosha, (strong treasury) Danda (Strong army) Mitra (The ally).

6. Saptang Theory

7. Swami: The King Supreme element of the state Swami: Chief अधिपति Saptang Theory mentions : Swami Chief : Civil, judicial and military administration. Head : Appointments of officers. Legislative : Policy maker (social order) Power: Admirer of codes of law. To look after : Religious condition of state. Manage : Construction of buildings, roads, bridges Provide : Safety and security Maintain : Well irrigation Bestow : Food to poor Support : Traders Take care : Foreigners Manage : Transportation Secure : Trade routes

8. The King ( Swamin ) Kautilya gives extensive powers to the king. Most IMP: Welfare of citizens King Qualifications Firstly, the king should belong to the nobility, Be a native of the land Follow the teachings of the Shashtras . King has knowledge of Philosophy, Economic sciences and Political science,

9. Swami and Justice Arthshastra : danda is important to prevent anarchy in a state. He also advises the King to exercise danda with utmost restraint. The king delivered justice in accordance with sacred law (dharma) evidence ( vyavahara ) custom ( samstha ) and edicts of king ( nyaya ). Kautilya was the first to emphasize the importance of secular law

10. Amatya Arthashashtra : Amatya = high Service cadre Arthashashtra : differentiate: ministers & Amatya Pali text: अमच्च = अमात्य Amatya : Help King Amatya : manage State in absence of king Amatya : right hand of the King Amatya : eyes of the state Amatya : day to day affairs of state Amatya : gives suggestions to king Amatya : help to develops new villages and cities

11. Amatya IMP : The Prime Minister and the High Priest. Arthshastra include : the commander of the Army, the Treasurer General and the Collector General etc. Kautilya : Elaborate system of recruitment of the Amatyas and other officials. Qualifications of Amatya : Should be morally and ethically pure, Honest in financial matters and Good character. Natural born citizens, Noble origin. Reliable Friendly nature, Wisdom, Patience

12. 3. Janapada : Territory and population Jana= People and Pada= Territory Basic criteria of Territory: Own Fertile Forest, Rivers, Mountains, Minerals, Wild life. Good climate. Timber Suitable for new villages Devoid of Too much rocky, Saline, Uneven and Thorny tracts free from wild beasts

13. Janapada : Territory and Population It means the citizens settled in the territory of a nation. Criteria of Population Loyal to their king, Hard working, Disciplined, Religious, Ready to fight for their motherland, Pay taxes regularly and happily. Followers of dharma.

14. Durga: Defence It refers to forts of the state Criteria : State should have number of forts Fort shall situated at strategic locations Forts shall located across its territory Forts ensure defence Protect against foreign invasions. Built near hills/mountains, deserts, dense forests and big water bodies. Space of garrison soldiers, Food storage Emergency Exit Secure hideout

15. Jal Durg (Water fort) This type of fort is surrounded by water bodies. Sea or rivers or artificial moats, artificial lakes etc.

16. Three sub-types Prantara-durga : Located on a flat hill summit. Giri-parshva-durga : The fortifications extend down to the hill slope. 3 . Guha- durga : Located in a valley surrounded by hills, where the outposts and the signal towers are located. Giri Durg (Hill Fort)

17. Vana Durg (Forest fort) This type of fort situated amidst thick forest. Thick forest cover use as a preliminary line of defence. Dense forest over a distance of at least 4 kroshas (14.6 km). Sub-types Khanjana-durga : This fort was surrounded by thorny forests. 2. Sthambha-durga : This forest build wehere tall trees; lacks sufficient water located.

18. Dhanva Durg  or Desert Fort Also known as Maru- durga . This type of fort is surrounded by a desert. It shall has arid stretch of land which can stop the movement of enemies. Surrounded by an arid area of at least 5  yojanas  (73 km).

19. Mahi Durg (Earthen fort) Also called as Mud Fort: This type of fort is protected by earthen walls and ramparts. Walls constructed of bricks and stones can also come under this category. Sub-types 1. Mrid-durga : Surrounded by earthen walls 2. Parigha-durga : Surrounded by earthen walls, as well as stone or brick walls. The walls are at least 5.4 m high and their width is half of their height. 3. Panka-durga : Surrounded by fens or quicksand

20. Nar Durg : Fort protected by soldiers This type of fort primarily relies on man-power, i.e., a strong army to defend itself. Defended by a large number of loyal and experienced warriors. Usually a city fortress, populated by a substantial garrison.

21. Defence (Durga) Kautilya has referred four types of Durgas Audaka durga (surrounded by water), Parvata durga (situated in the top of ountain ) Dhanvana durga (surrounded by desert) and Vana durga (surrounded by forests). Audaka durga Parvata durga useful for protecting Janapada in case of emergency Dhanvana durga Vana durga provided shelters to the king in the event of any emergency.

22. Kosha: Treasury This is the fifth important element. Significance of treasury State cant surview without treasury Activities of the state depend on finance Hence, foremost attention should be given to the treasury. Treasury should be a permanent source of revenue Tax is chief source of Treasury King take one sixth on agriculture Capture valuable minerals like gold via war In case of emergency, king can collect heavy taxes Farmers, traders and artisans were main tax payers

23. Treasury (Kosha) State economy is depend upon the Treasury Treasury should be safe in any case According to Kautilya : Wanted a prosperous treasury King shall earn the wealth only by legitimate Always apply righteous means No way by unfair and immoral means. Legitimate sources to collect tax: ( i ) Various forms of land tax (ii) Duty on the sale of goods in the market; (iii) Tax on imports and exports and (iv) Miscellaneous taxes.

24. Danda : Armed might  State should have strong military force. Army for foreign invasion Army for internal affairs Army for suppress revolt Ability of The army/ Armed men Experienced in military arts, Able Loyal and Patriotic. The soldiers recruited in the army must belong to one these seven categories Maula (Recruited on hereditary grounds) Bhrtaka (Paid) Shreni (Well trained) Mitra (Soldiers of friendly kings) Amitra (Soldiers of conquered or hostile territories) Atavika (Tribal soldiers) Autsahika (Leaderless and invaders).

25. Armed might  ( Danda ) Kautilya : Need to pay attention to organization of the army. Kautilya : favours hereditary Kshatriya army Hereditary army : Skilled, Obedient to the king, Free from duplicity. Serve defensive and offensive purposes of the king. Various departments of army Armoury, Naval forces, Cavalry, Elephants, Chariots and Infantry.

26. The Ally (Mitra) The Ally (Mitra): The last element Kautilya describes six type of friends Traditional Permanent Those who could exercise restraint upon themselves Not of hostile attitude Endowed with courage and ability to offer worthy advice Help in times of need. King can achieve the goal of a prosperous state via allies.

27. The Ally (Mitra) Kautilya : “Political isolation means death”, Kautilya : Two kinds of allies, Sahaja and Kritrima . Sahaja or natural ally: Whose friendship is derived from the times of King’s father and grandfather and who is situated close to the territory of the immediately neighbouring enemy. Kritrima or the acquired ally : Whose friendship is specially resorted to for the protection of wealth and life.

28. Discussion Buddhist texts : not mentioning Buddhist texts : focusing on Tax as IMP element Kautilya : Priest is not include in Saptang theory Shantiparva : include Priest after ministers Kamanak : include Priest after ministers Kautilya : Discussed about influential factors King: liquor, gamble, women Janpad : armed people in rebel People: internal dispute Ally: lured

29. Conclusion Saptanga theory of Kautilya is universally accepted. Saptanga doctrine represents importance of the different elements of state. All elements are vital and related to each other It seem that Saptanga theory was proved useful in ancient India. King attributed supreme power in theory. King subsequently turned into kingship Arthshashtra : King is a state, all element shall support him This theory was popular as marked by Manu and other political thinkers.