Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 122

Sec. V
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
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So there is no evidence of any idea of the nature, consti. tution and functions of this political institution in the BAS. In this respect some Jaina texts give a graphic account of this council of ministers which was an important factor of monarchical form of government.
In the Brhatkal pa-Bhāsya-Pithikā” it is stated that there are five kinds of royal council, viz. Püranti, Chattanti, Buddhi, Mantri, and Rahassiyā.
The first one is called Púranti, as its officials formed the retinue of the king on his journey till bis return to the capital, while the Chattanti council was composed of royal officers who held the royal parasol over the head of the king and had the privilege to accompany him up to the outer assembly hall.
The Buddhi council was constituted of very learned members in general customs (loka), the Vedas and the Scriptures (samaya) and it was entrusted with the task of gathering current informations about diverse reports and running comments among the people and bringing them to its intelligence.
The Mantriparisad, the fourth council consisted of ministers, who were well-read in the political science (Rāyasattha), born of non-royal family (atakkuliya), sincere, aged, loyal and courageous in the state affairs. They were the great sources of strength to the king who consulted them on important matters of the state policy in a secluded place before taking any administrative measure.
The Rahassiya council constituted of secret emissaries was entrusted with the task of appeasing the angry queen, conveying the message of the dates of purificatory bath of different queens after their monthly menstruation to the king, telling him of the names of his grown up daughters fit for marriage, informing him of love affairs of the queen, if there
1 Kamandlakiya Niti sāra, Sarga-IV. 1 (Svāmyamatyasca
rāstraîca durgan koşa balaṁ suhrt/parasparopakāridan saptāngai rājya.mucyate. Bihat Kulpa Bhāşya Pithikā (378–383).
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