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98
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
[Ch. III
be any and conversing with him privately on different subjects of sexual life.
The ministers as mentioned in the Jaina texts were entrusted with the duty of carrying on political affairs of the state with undivided loyalty to their country, city and the king, their lord, by dint of their capibility, knowledge and experience in law and administration.' Power of the Council of Ministers
Some Jaina texts refer to the power of ministers to dismiss a king and install another in his place under special circums. tances which led to the negligence of state business.
It is stated in the Avasyaka Cūrni that the king, Jiyasattu of Vasantapura was dethroned and banished by his ministers on his negligence to state affairs due to his excessive love for his wife, queen Sukumaliyā, and his own son, the crown-prince was anointed king in his place'. Duties of Ministers
According to one Jaina text' the minister was charged with the duty to organize a strong system of spies belonging to both the sexes, designated as Sīcakas, Anusūcakas, Pratisūcakas and Sarvasūcakas, for the safety and security of the state from internal disorders and foreign invasions.
The duty of the Sūcakas was to collect internal secrets of the harem by making friendship with the harem-officers, while that of the Anusūcakas was to detect the presence of the foreign spies in the city.
The Pratisūcakas were entrusted with the task of watching the movement of enemy spies, while standing at the city gate
1 Vyavahāra Bhāsya, I, pp. 129 f. * Áoaklaka Can, p. 534 ; See Saccaniskira Jặtaka (1 No. 73)
p. 326. 9 See Saccamkira Jataka (1. No. 73), p. 326 for similar cases. 4 Vyavahāra Bhäsya 1, p. 13.a f; see The Mahābhārata
(Santi, p. LXVIII, 8-12), and the Asokan Inscription, R.E. VI, where it is found that the king himself directed the spy orga. pization. See also drthaśāstra of Kautilya, pp. 17-22.
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