________________
350
POLITICAL HISTORY OF N. INDIA FROM JAIN SOURCES
erally
a sanare opposes
The councils of the period generally consisted of the king and his prime minister and other councillors like purohita sāndhivigrahikamatya, senapati, mahāksa patalika, and yuvarāja. But Somadeva opposes the inclusion of senāpati or military officers in the council. He says, 'Military authorities should not be authorities in political conncils,' for he thinks that warmongering leaders have a natural hankering after war.'1 In advocating this view he has represented, perhaps, the contemporary politics. None the less, the senapati or head of the military was one of the most important officers. He sometimes held the post of Governor of some newly conquered province. The sandhivigrahika was also another notable functionary. On behalf of the king he signed the treaties and conducted the whole foreign negotiations.2 The priest or purohita was another great personage; his advice was not to be transgressed. The priest was instrumental in warding off natural or supernatural calamities. One of his chief duties was the training of the prince. The prince or heir-apparent of our period is occasionally seen participating in state administration. He, therefore, was also included in the council. Qualification of the Councillors :
Though ministers were appointed by the king, the choice of ministers was by no means an easy job. Somadeva says that great has always been the power of ministers and cites Vişnugupta (Kautilya) who raised Candragupta to the position of an emperor as a case in point. In the selection of the councillors, therefore, a king should exercise the utmost discretion. They should be chosen from amongst Brāhmaṇas, Ksatriyas and Vaisyas. They must, however, be possessed of the following qualities: They should be native (svadeśajam) by birth and not foreigners, for natives have a tendency to love their country. Love of one's own country is the highest and most tenacious of all prejudices.? Foreigners should not be entrusted with matter of finance and protection of life, for, after staying for
1 Ibid., p. 136: Tala t #1 for: Y: 1 Tat-tfaai ou ratur भक्तमपि भुक्तं न जीर्यति ।
? SJGM., I, p. 30, Damar in the Bhoja-Bhima-prabandha. 3 Nitivā., p. 160-161
4 Ibid., p. 108: 21 IT for FTOHETCA s ia Pacis a: F1915798मवाप्नोति।
5 Ibid., p. 107: Alagilleagar atat a TFCHT A BETTER : 1 8 Ibid., p. 108:
ESTÀ FJAH ! ? Ibid., p. 108: 572TSH, HAETTIIN 12977240 HET, I
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
